(Arnolds Park)– The Arnolds Park city council Wednesday held a public hearing on an ordinance intended to crack down on underage drinking. Under the proposal, anyone under 21 would be prohibited from being in an establishment that serves alcohol after 10:00 p.m.
The hearing drew representatives of several establishments, including one who expressed concern over the 10:00 p.m. deadline, saying it could cause problems for families, especially in the summer when the sun doesn’t set until after 9:00 p.m. Arnolds Park Police Chief Al Krueger says officers would allow some discretion on the 10:00 p.m. deadline.
Another concern is over special exceptions for when minors will be present for events such as Christmas parties or other special gatherings that run past 10:00 p.m. The council agreed those exceptions could be handled through permits that would be issued by the Police Chief. A revised ordinance containing that provision will be drafted and presented at the next regular council meeting.
