Cape council to consider amendment on minors, alcohol

Tonight, the Cape Girardeau City Council will consider a possible amendment to the city code concerning minors and alcoholic beverages.

During a study session, the council will discuss amending the code to include a new section restricting people younger than 21 from patronizing establishments that serve alcohol. It would exclude golf courses, bowling alleys, sports complexes, publicly owned community centers and restaurants with a primary business focus of serving food.

Additionally, the amendment would require those participating directly in the sale of "intoxicating liquors" to complete mandatory server training once every two years and maintain proof of certification at the licensee's premises. The existing city code does not require such training, but the Cape Girardeau Police Department strongly encourages businesses to require their servers to train, either online or in person.

The police department has seen a rise in underage drinking at establishments that allow entrance to patrons younger than 21, according to documents from city staff. It also said the uptick is caused in part by adults purchasing drinks for minors.

This is not the first time the council has considered altering the city's laws to curtail underage drinking. It considered and even completed first reading of a 2012 ordinance that would have prohibited patrons younger than 21 from being in bars or restaurants that derive more than 35 percent of their proceeds from alcohol after 10 p.m. without a parent or legal guardian.

The council dropped the matter, with members citing concern over the amendment's broad language -- it made no distinction between employees and patrons -- and questioned if it would really solve the issue of underage alcohol consumption. A city survey at the time also showed a lack of public support for the ordinance.

After some consideration, city manager Scott Meyer said the city council decided instead to focus on stronger enforcement of existing laws and ordinances. Now, the council members again will consider how they want to handle the issue moving forward.

"We've been doing that for a while and it seemed to make sense to check back with them, really to get a feel from council as to how they want to pursue or if they want to leave it the way it is," he said.

The council will not take any action on the most recent proposal when it meets today.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO