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Author
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Topic: Springfield, MO - Voters Approve Ban on Alcohol Sales in Movie Theaters
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Mike Frese
Master Film Handler
Posts: 465
From: Holts Summit, MO
Registered: Jun 2007
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posted 04-06-2011 06:58 AM
http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=434676
(Springfield, MO) -- Voters in Springfield don't want alcohol to be sold in family movie theaters.
On Tuesday, the proposed "Question 1" on the ballot (official wording below), passed.
51.71 percent (10,831) voted "yes" while 48.29 percent (10,115) voted "no."
The ban would really only affect one theater: Wehrenberg Campbell 16 Cine.
Wehrenberg plays a number of children's films. This ban only affects theaters that have more than a quarter of their ticket sales from people under the age of 21.
"This is about our rights," said concession manager Bracy Martin ahead of Tuesday's divisive vote.
Supporters of the ban said they were trying to target teen drinking. The other side said this ban would infringe on their rights.
Signs at Campbell 16 asked patrons to vote "no" on a measure the ban. It argues it has a number of safety procedures in place and of-age patrons should be able to choose if they want to drink.
"This is a freedom," added Martin. "We have a right, if we are of age, to drink alcohol."
Supporters disagreed, saying it's a public health and safety issue, and a family theater is no place for drinks.
"I don't think alcohol has any place in a dark movie," said Alice Kibby, a moviegoer and recovering alcoholic.
"If we serve alcohol in family-friendly venues, than we're just opening wide the possibility for more exposure," said moviegoer Beth Cantrell.
Campbell 16 checks IDs. Staff only let customers get two drinks -- one at a time. And it uses other measures to stop potential problems.
Springfield police say Wehrenberg in Springfield has no history of issues because of the alcohol there.
However, the theater did sell a 19-year-old a drink during a Greene County Sheriff's compliance check a few years ago. The person who served the minor no longer works there.
Springfield City Attorney Dan Wichmer says the ban could bring along legal issues. He says part of the ballot measure lets an administrative hearing take the place of one in court. That's what got the city in trouble with red-light cameras.
"We expressed those concerns with the initiative group and they expressed their opinion and that's where it stands," he said.
Wichmer says that group believes the ordinance could eventually change, if needed.
Springfield City Council will certify the election results at next Tuesday's luncheon. Alcohol will have to be removed from establishments within a week from that certification.
Question 1:
[Shall the City of Springfield, Missouri prohibit the sale, consumption, or advertisement of alcohol in movie theaters with more than 25 percent of their ticket sales to persons under the age of 21 years in the most recent previous three month period, said theaters to be known as "Family-Oriented Movie Theaters", within the City of Springfield, but excluding movie theaters operated by religious, charitable or other organizations which have achieved a IRC section 501 (c)(3) status, providing for audit of, and burden of proof on, the percentage of ticket sales to persons under the age of 21 years, and establishing penalties for businesses which violate said ordinance including for the first offense a suspension for any unspecified time until proof is provided by the business of the most recent three month period of ticket sales that reflects less than 25 percent of ticket sales are for admission of persons under the age of 21 years, for the second offense a suspension of 12 months and for the third offense suspension of 24 months and fines of $200 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for the third offense?]
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