The East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council introduced and will consider an ordinance that could ban drink specials after 8 p.m. in Baton Rouge bars.
The metro council will hold a public hearing Dec. 14 during which the council will vote on the Campus-Community Coalition for Change’s proposed ordinance. Both meetings will be open to the public.
According to the Metro Council Minutes from Nov. 22, the ordinance will be reviewed by a committee Dec. 7.
The CCCC proposed the ordinance to metro council members in October. The ordinance would make it illegal for bars and restaurants to sell drinks below retail price or in oversized containers, host alcohol-related games or advertise alcohol promotions.
When contacted about the proposed ordinance date, CCCC Director Nancy Mathews refused to comment.
“I believe that we have provided all of the information that we can provide and we have no further information or comment that we can provide at this time,” Mathews said.
Patrick Downs, Student Government vice president, said he wishes the CCCC had decided to propose ordinance at a different time. The ordinance will be voted on during finals week.
“I wish they would choose a time when more students would have a less distracted opinion and be able to focus more energy on it and have a fair debate,” Downs said.
Downs said SG is not encouraging its members to attend the meeting because it is finals week.
“If they go, great,” Downs said. “I hope no one goes at the expense of their grades.”
Councilmen Mike Walker and Ulysses “Bones” Addison co-sponsored the ordinance at this past week’s council meeting. Neither councilman returned calls before press time.