A controversial ordinance that would have barred 18- to 20-year-olds from entering bars in downtown Hammond has been withdrawn following heated backlash from bar owners and concerns over potential violations of Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law.
The ordinance, which was set to be voted on during a June 24 Hammond City Council meeting, would have banned anyone under the age of 21 from entering bars regardless of whether they were drinking.
Inside Crescent Bar, it’s business as usual. But just days ago, the proposed change threatened to shut out thousands of college-aged customers.
“There’s other things to do at these establishments than to drink,” said Ricky Brocato, owner of Crescent Bar. “They have comedy shows. They have DJs, dance floors. It’s a social gathering.”
Bar owners say the measure unfairly targeted businesses that were already complying with the law and responsible service practices.
“This is a political farce, and that’s why I’m suing all of you,” said Dan Lambert, owner of Cate Street Pub.
Lambert said more than 100 people attended the June 24 city council meeting expecting to voice their opposition, but the council declined to hear public comment before attempting to move forward with a vote.
“The council said, ‘No, we don’t want to hear you. Sorry you came,’” Lambert said. “That’s against the law. That’s against the Open Meeting Laws.”
According to Louisiana Revised Statute 42:14(D), the public must be given the opportunity to comment before a final vote is taken on any motion, resolution, ordinance, or other matter before a public body. Critics say the Hammond City Council failed to meet that requirement.
Council President Kip Andrews ultimately withdrew the ordinance from the agenda.
“I’m going to make a motion at this time to withdraw this from the agenda,” Andrews said during the meeting.
Andrews defended his original intent, stating that the proposed ordinance was meant to address public safety, not to harm local businesses.
“I was only trying to preserve life, even though it’s apparent, a lot of y’all don’t care about life,” Andrews said in the meeting.
The ordinance is off the table for now, but Andrews indicated that he plans to introduce an alternative version at a future date.
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