Underage drinking crackdown approved

Despite protests from a few bar owners, an attorney and University of Florida students, the city of Gainesville now has a mechanism to punish bars that get caught serving "too many" underage patrons.

The ordinance that passed unanimously Thursday night will prohibit patrons under the age of 21 from entering a bar after 9 p.m. if that bar has exceeded the number of allowable underage drinking violations in any quarter.

"I think we're taking a very moderate measure," Commissioner Lauren Poe said. "I don't think anyone here wants to take that next step and make all bars 21 and over."

According to the ordinance, smaller bars with occupancies of less than 200 people would be in violation after having five or more prosecuted underage drinking violations in a three-month period.

Bars with greater occupancies would be punished after 10 violations.

If this law had been in place during the first three quarters of 2008, at least 11 bars would have been disciplined by the ordinance and in all four quarters of 2007, 13 bars would have been prohibited from allowing underage patrons after 9 p.m.

The prohibition on underage patrons lasts for between 45 days and 365 days, depending on the frequency of violations.

Multiple violations could also result in a $500 fine or arrest of the bar owner. The law takes effect April 1.

Jordan Johnson, president of the UF Student Senate, brought a resolution signed by his fellow senators that recommended a few alterations to the bill, including exceptions to private parties.

Fraternities, sororities and other organizations frequently rent out bars for events that include members who are under the age of 21.

Johnson said this law could adversely affect the organizations who schedule these events months in advance; if a bar received the penalties, it could ruin the event.

Commissioner Jeanna Mastrodicasa said she discussed that with city staff and found that creating an exception could pose legal problems.