News

New Restrictions Proposed for Bars That Admit Underage Persons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John De Taeye
(202) 724-8031

February 6, 2007

Washington, DC - The tragic death of 17 year old Taleshia Ford prompted Ward One Councilmember Jim Graham to introduce a bill that will help keep young people safe by monitoring the business establishments they frequent. Under the bill, restaurants and taverns offering entertainment targeted to youth that wish to admit underage persons after 11:00 pm, or nightclubs at anytime, would be required to comply with the new restrictions.

Under existing DC law - - other than the ban on sale to minors - - there are no restrictions or guidelines whatsoever on whether a person under 21 can enter a bar where alcohol is served.

Councilmember Graham’s bill prohibits persons under the age of 21 from entering nightclubs at anytime, and also restaurants and taverns that provide entertainment and who wish to admit persons under 21 after 11:00 pm, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Conversely, if a restaurant or tavern does not provide entertainment or provides entertainment but excludes persons under 21 years old, then the bill will have no application.

However, a nightclub, restaurant or tavern may, under this bill, admit an underage person if the establishment submits a plan on security, underage monitoring and other matters. If the Director of ABRA approves the plan, the business will be granted underage entertainment permission. The bill also creates a new Underage Person Inspection Unit. The Unit will monitor compliance with the act and other activities relating to the illegal purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol by underage persons.

“This bill sends a strong message to parents, young people and business establishments that the DC is doing everything possible to keep our children safe”, said Councilmember Graham. “It also allows for a responsible, safe environment for entertainment aimed at youth”.

In response to the homicide of Ms. Ford, Councilmember Graham held an Emergency Roundtable on Thursday, January 25, 2007 which, in addition to the parents of Ms. Ford, included 52 public witnesses.

Hearings will be convened shortly by Councilmember Graham who chairs the Committee to which the bill was referred.

###