City officials contend the bill is needed to keep rowdy crowds under control
because the historic downtown area gets a little too lively on some nights.
City Councilman Richard Veit said he was prompted to propose the bill after
complaints about bad bar behavior. He says it will give police some rules to
enforce when things get too rowdy.
But some bar owners worry the bill is too vague and restrictive, saying it
may be a violation of their civil rights.
Marc Rousseau, who owns bar R.T. Weilers, said he thinks the bill needs
revision.
"We're dealing with adults here once again and I don't think it's the city's
job or the government's job to determine what we can and cannot play in our
restaurant," Rousseau said.
The proposal would ban indecent, profane or obscene language, songs,
entertainment and literature at bars.
A meeting to discuss the proposal is set for Jan. 14.