Published on November 13, 2022
Beginning Nov. 18, possessing an open container or public consumption of alcohol is not allowed in the West Seventh Street entertainment district.
The City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to prohibit open containers and public consumption in an effort to limit underage drinking.
Looking at January-October of this year compared to the same period in 2022, the West Seventh area experienced a 15% increase in overall crime, which includes an 8% increase in public intoxication arrests. So far this year, about 12% of the total criminal offenses in the area involve alcohol.
Beginning this weekend, possession of an open container or public consumption of alcohol will be a Class C misdemeanor. Fines can be up to $500.
The new ordinance is in effect for an area bounded by University Drive and Carroll Street on the west, Fifth and Weisenberger streets on the north, the railroad tracks on the east and Lancaster Avenue on the south.
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