City Council Okays Open Container Law Revision

LOCK HAVEN – City council Monday night approved changes to its open container law, paving the way for organizations to host outdoor events where alcoholic beverages may be legally consumed.

The vote was 5-1 for approval, council member Steve Stevenson casting the lone no vote. As passed on first reading, city council would have the final say as to whether events allowing open containers would be permitted. Stevenson said the city should leave the law as is, in effect saying “no to everybody.”

Council member Doug Byerly said the revised ordinance would show “we are friendly…a welcoming city.” He noted organizations have been asking for open container law modifications for years and termed the requested changes “reasonable.”

The revision was seen as a positive for Lock Haven JAMS, a growing jazz festival held in the downtown every August. JAMS organizers had been among the organizations asking for the change. It was noted the requests must still meet state Liquor Control Board guide-lines, applicable areas clearly marked “no alcohol beyond this point.”

Council again tabled a vote on the city’s first noise ordinance. After discussion there was a consensus that a 50 foot buffer should be put in place from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for city police to make a judgment that noise was too loud; at night time the judgment would be made from beyond the property line of the noise source. Council indicated it did not want to use decibel-level equipment. Council vice-president Joel Long noted the city at this point does not have a noise problem. The ordinance puts in writing the applicable city response. A first offense calls for a fine up to $600. Council is to take a first reading vote at its April 15 meeting.