HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-14-08 Community Alcohol Coalition MinutesMinutes: October 14, 2008 Community Alcohol Coalition
Members Present: Jenny Haubenreiser, Becky Franks, Glenn Puffer, Eris Miller, Donna LaRue
Discussion Items
There was much confusion
over the meeting room. The City had moved to the new location; however, when we went there we were told we had not been assigned a meeting place. The group ended up meeting at Rocky
Mountain Roasting Co. Jenny will follow up with the City office to make sure we are provided a room for future meetings.
The group spent the entirety of the meeting going through a
‘model’ draft of a social host ordinance. This was created by MADD National for use by communities around the country. The draft also included a list of principles related to the policy
that help illuminate the purpose of the ordinance. These should be used to both educate decision-makers as well as the public when advocating for the policy.
The group determined that
the model draft ordinance is more thorough than the Helena ordinance. CAC members present acknowledged that the ordinance should communicate both the law and the intent of the law –
in this case, the danger associated with underage drinking and the fact that much of the alcohol-related harm that impacts youth occurs in private residences. While no one law will prevent
alcohol-related harm, this particular ordinance, in addition to the nuisance party ordinance, will provide more tools for local law enforcement to intervene and reduce youth access to
alcohol (a known prevention standard). The U.S. Surgeon General’s guide also advocates for these types of laws within campus communities.
It was determined that “fraternity and sorority
houses” should be included in the list of “other private property,” meaning students holding parties within Greek houses could be considered social hosts. Campus residence life buildings
would not be included.
Jenny will circulate the draft ordinance via email to CAC members not present at the meeting to elicit additional comments. She will then forward this to the
City Attorney’s office. It is unknown how long this will take to be reviewed by the attorneys, but Susan W. did indicate to Jenny that they are expecting this.
The group briefly discussed
an advocacy plan to assist the passage of the ordinance. Helena did a good job with this and Jenny will investigate who all they included. Glenn agreed to talk to student leadership
about advocating for this since they made a statement about supporting community efforts during the Surgeon General’s visit.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30. The next meeting will
be on November 12th at 4 p.m.