During the East Lansing City Council session Tuesday night, councilmembers discussed the regulation of two celebratory substances: alcohol and fireworks.
The ordinance created by City Attorney Tom Yeadon not only shortens the number of days consumer fireworks are allowed to be used to the day before, day of, and day after a national holiday, but also changed the penalty for violating the ordinance from a misdemeanor to a disorderly conduct, which can be punishable for up to 90 days in jail, Yeadon said.
“It’s not a question of should we enforce the ordinance, but how should we enforce it,” councilmember Kevin Beard said.
The council stressed the importance of working closely with the MSU community and student groups such as ASMSU and the Inter Fraternity Council to communicate the changes in the ordinance.
Other issues discussed at the session was the relevance of the 50/50 rule for restaurants allowed to sell alcohol, as well as the approval of an application for a Class C liquor license for the Stateside Deli, 313 E. Grand River Ave.
The 50/50 rule states that restaurants that also sell alcohol must have at least 50 percent food sales as a safety measure for the community as well as a way to limit binge drinking and alcohol abuse Community and Economic Development Administrator Lori Mullins said, but has become less and less effective over time.
“My personal challenge with this … that this policy is that it has always created an impression of strict (restrictions) but it’s hopelessly maleable,” Mayor Pro Tem Triplett said.
Council said that regulation and enforcement of the rule has been difficult while it’s been in effect, Council suggested the rule be changed to be more conducive to new businesses that could move into downtown projects like the former City Center II property, where the 50/50 rule may not be feasible.
Councilmembers decided to look into the rule further, which would have less-strict regulations on restaurants, and the reports they have to make back to the city.
State Side Deli’s application for a Class C Development District Liquor License was accepted at the work session as well. The city still has one quota liquor license, which they are keeping as incentive for unique incoming businesses in the future, especially with major downtown redevelopments on the horizon.
“(We should) save the license for another applicant in the future,” Mayor Diane Goddeeris said. “From the city’s perspective a quota license is an asset … our first priority concern is its impact on our downtown.”
A fee of $20,000 to the state is in place for businesses to get quota licenses, which deterred Woody’s Oasis, 1015 Trowbridge Road, from pursuing the quota license further. Currently the business is looking at other market license options.
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