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| 04-30-2004 | Previous edition: 04-29-2004 |
        
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Printer-friendly version Community sees clear results with Grand Prix safety programsBy Paul GlasserCity Editor Local law enforcement officers, bar owners, student representatives and alcohol retailers say Grand Prix weekend was safe and peaceful because of the comprehensive community cooperation program. John Copeland, sergeant field supervisor for the Indiana State Excise Police, said excise agents participated in a variety of community educational programs and gave ride-a-longs to Panhellenic officers. "There have never been programs in this area like this before, and now you’re reaping the benefits," he said. The business owners, student representatives and police officers met to discuss Grand Prix week on Thursday at the Neon Cactus for a meeting of the Campus Community Bar Retail Coalition. Excise agents arrested or ticketed 95 people during Grand Prix week this year, up from 87 people during Grand Prix 2003. Brandi Nichols, director of risk management for the Panhellenic Association, said she focused on educating students the week before Grand Prix. "During the week of Grand Prix, nobody is going to listen to a thing we say," she said. Greek houses asked excise agents to attend house meetings and answer questions about laws and the methods excise agents use to investigate parties. Contrary to popular belief, undercover excise agents don’t have to tell anyone they are agents. At parties, excise agents usually don’t arrest anyone over the age of 21, but Copeland said they could be charged with visiting or maintaining a common nuisance. The Inter-Fraternity Council’s Lower Board, which checks to make sure fraternities and sororities are complying with the rules, issued only three infractions for alcohol violations. Nichols said one key to staying safe is to avoid drawing attention to yourself. Copeland said it’s a bad idea to host a party for 250 people or have a band perform, because that draws the attention of excise agents. "You might as well paint a big red bull’s-eye on your house," he said. Nichols said students really appreciated the free cab rides provided by the Neon Cactus. The Neon Cactus also negotiated a temporary extension of service for the CityBus Night Rider during Grand Prix week. Jeff Barbee, promotions manager for the Neon Cactus, said the effort was paid for with money obtained during a fund-raiser. Almost a dozen bars and alcohol retailers contributed $3,800 to the fund, which paid for about 350 free cab rides and the Night Rider route extension. "Alcohol is our business, but safety and education always come first," Barbee said. "We’re not here just to make a buck. Our customers were happy to wait 15 minutes for a free ride." West Lafayette and Lafayette police recently conducted a compliance check of 20 local bars and retailers and found that none of the establishments sold to minors. However, excise agents issued warning tickets to several establishments during Grand Prix week because they had expired permits or licenses. El Paso was cited for six violations, including employing a minor to serve alcohol and providing alcohol to minors. Excise agents found that two teenagers, ages 16 and 17, were the only employees at the restaurant and had been drinking and serving alcohol. Later this month, Riehle Brothers Tavern will have a hearing with the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission: The bar was cited for five violations in 2002 for public indecency, maintaining a common nuisance and selling alcohol to minors. Printer-friendly version |
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