Champaign officials have set up regulations for both city residents and local bars for Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day on Friday. An order sent out by Liquor Commissioner Jerry Schweighart states laws regulating bars’ activities, privately operated parties and student drinking. He said he fully expects bars to cooperate with these standards, after eleven Champaign bars faced charges and fines last November when they were caught violating the “happy hour” ordinance during the Irish Illini’s fall Barscramble. Schweighart said the Champaign police in conjunction with other police forces set up a Facebook group named “Official Public Safety Page on Unofficial.” On the group’s Web site, ordinances regulating things such as throwing materials out of buildings are discussed in detail. The group also highlights the consequences of such behaviors. The following is a list of laws pertaining to Unofficial for Champaign, Urbana and the University.
Bar Entry Age and Underaged Drinking
The Law: Only those 21 years old and older may enter campus bars from 11 a.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday.
Repercussions: Underaged drinkers in possession of alcohol or who are intoxicated face a minimum fine of $310 in Champaign and $300 in Urbana or possible suspension of their driver’s license.
Throwing Dangerous Materials
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The Law:
Throwing dangerous materials is a violation in Champaign.
Repercussions;
If any material is thrown from a balcony, resident(s) as well as the person throwing the material are subject to a minimum fine of $215.
Class Disruptions
The Law:
No disruptions will be tolerated in the academic setting.
Repercussions:
Possible arrest or referral to student discipline offices.
Private Parties
The Law:
Private functions that charge for cups, wristbands or alcohol in general operate as an illegal liquor establishment. Private party hosts must ensure no minors are consuming alcohol.
Repercussions:
Multiple fines or referral to student discipline offices.
Unlawful use of ID/Misrepresentation of Age
The Law:
No person may possess or present illegal IDs, including ones that are fraudulent, altered or that do not belong to them.
Repercussions:
Violators face minimum fines of $300.
Nuisance Parties
The Law:
Disorderly conduct that is causing a public safety concern will be brought to the attention of police officials.
Repercussions:
Termination of the party or clearing of event location.
Kegs
The Law:
No keg permits will be issued the week prior to Unofficial. Individuals may not possess multiple kegs.
Repercussions:
Individuals violating the code will be cited under the ordinance. For location-based violations, each resident may be cited under the ordinance.
Parking issues
The Law:
Illegally parked vehicles will be towed at vehicle owner’s expense.
Repercussions:
Officers of all agencies will have discretion to charge city ordinance or state criminal violations, If criminal charges are filed, the state’s attorney will prosecute the cases.
Source: Champaign Police Department’s Facebook page, “Official Public Safety Page on Unofficial.”
