2018-07-31 - Laserfiche WebLink

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C) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE LIMITING THE OPERATING HOURS OF BARS, NIGHTCLUBS AND PRIVATE CLUBS Councilmember Bryant introduced an ordinance to limit the operating hours of bars, nightclubs and private clubs. Police Chief Alan Cockrill addressed the council concerning the ordinance. Chief Cockrill said when a private club requests a license from the Alcohol Beverage Control Board to serve alcohol, if approved the ABC Board sets a maximum operating hour. He said the hours vary and as far as Batesville is concerned and only one establishment, The Duck Blind, has late hours permitted which is 5:00 a.m. The proposed ordinance makes the maximum closing time for all establishments serving alcohol to 1:00 a.m. The Chief said when the private clubs stay open longer than 1:00 a.m., the patrons simply drink more and get into more trouble. Chief Cockrill said passing this ordinance will ensure the safety for the patrons, employee of these private clubs, the citizens of our county and his police department. Mr. Meitzen read the ordinance in full. Councilmember Bryant moved to suspend the rules waive the second and third readings. Councilmember Henley seconded and the electronic vote was 6 for and 0 against. In further discussion, Councilmember Henley asked how did we, the City of Batesville, get so many private clubs. Chief Cockrill explained that once the ABC Board sets the criteria for being a private club, it opened the door for basically any restaurant to apply for a private club status and to serve alcohol. He did say the law recently changed and anyone wanting an alcohol license now must go before the city council to get approval before the ABC Board will consider their request. However, he said the council has to use the same criteria that the ABC Board uses and there are appeal processes for denials. Councilmember Bryant moved to adopt the ordinance. Councilmember Hinkle seconded. The electronic vote was 6 for and 0 against.