A new law redefines underage possession of alcohol in Fort Dodge, and a second measure to keep minors out of drinking establishments late at night is moving toward approval.
The City Council unanimously gave final approval on Monday to the law that changes the definition of possession of alcohol by a minor to include alcohol in the body. Under that law, any underaged person who registered a .02 blood alcohol content on a preliminary breath test would be deemed to be in possession of alcohol.
Anyone convicted of that offense could face a fine of up to $500.
There was no debate before the council voted.
The council also gave preliminary approval to a proposal that would prohibit people under age 21 from being in a business with a liquor license after 10 p.m. unless they're with their parents.
That deadline won't apply to businesses that can prove that more than half of their revenue comes from sales of food or items other than alcohol.
The council gave the measure preliminary approval on a unanimous vote. It must be approved two more times to become law.
Mary Jo Dencklau, owner of Billiards and Spirits on Central Avenue, expressed concern about the proposal. She said 18- to 20-year-olds come to her establishment ''to basically dance.''
She said that her staff does a ''very good job'' of preventing underage drinking.
''Where will kids go if this passes?'' she asked.
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net
