ANDERSON — Organized underage dance clubs can no longer operate past 1 a.m. any day of the week.
Despite having an executive order in place for the same issue, the Anderson City Council on Thursday unanimously approved an ordinance that would require licenses and provide regulations for underage dance halls and clubs.
The regulations were needed, according to Police Chief Darron Sparks, because the police have identified several incidents of violence during or connected to parties held by out-of-city promoters who rent out places such as the United Auto Workers hall, located at 29th Street and Madison Avenue.
The most recent event Sparks spoke of was when people in one car were shooting at another car on Interstate 69. Police connected that incident to a party held at the UAW hall, he said.
In July, Mayor Kris Ockomon issued an executive order requiring more information about the promoters of the events and requiring security for each event.
Jonathan Goehring, assistant city attorney, said that an executive order can take effect immediately, which is why Ockomon issued one in July. However, he said, an ordinance allows the city council to weigh in on the issue and has more weight to it because it went through the legislative process.
The ordinance goes beyond the executive order, mandating underage dance hall operators to obtain a license annually. To receive a license, the person who applies must give police contact information and list names of any employees working for him. The applicant also must list the intended activity, the hours of operation, a certificate of liability insurance for the event and other information.
The $100 license will not be given to anyone who is under 18; delinquent on taxes, fees, fines or penalties; uses alcohol in excess; is mentally incapacitated to operate an underage dance hall; has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving prostitution, promotion of prostitution, public lewdness, gambling, drugs or controlled substances or a weapons charge within a five year span, according to the ordinance.
The ordinance also regulates the hours of operation and the ages of the people who can attend events at the halls.
Tim Lanane, city attorney, said the ordinance is patterned off a similar law in Madison, Wis.
Sparks said the people who run these underage dance halls make thousands of dollars at each event. He said some have had more than 2,000 people and they start at 10 p.m. or midnight and run until early morning hours.
The regulations don’t allow the clubs to operate after 1 a.m. on any night of the week.
Jim James, an Anderson resident, said he supported the ordinance.
“Thirteen-, 14- and 15-year-olds should be at home,” he said. “They should be at Club Parent.”
Mayor Kris Ockomon thanked Art Pepelea, R-District 5, for suggesting the ordinance pass through all three readings on Thursday night, instead of the usual two with one reading a month later.
“By requesting three readings, you may have saved a life tonight,” Ockomon said.
Highlights of the law:
• Licenses for underage dance halls cost $100 and have to be obtained after an extensive application process.
• Hours of operation of an underage dance hall will be limited to 1 p.m. and midnight Monday through Sunday when school is not in session. When school is in session, the hours of operations will be between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. and midnight Friday; 1 p.m. and midnight on Saturday; and 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. Sunday.
• It prohibits people under the age of 14 and more than 21 years old from entering an underage dance hall.
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