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One focus in decreasing the deterioration in neighborhoods is decreasing the easy access to alcohol in our community. This approach involves strengthening city alcohol policies and law, including agressive law enforcement, to reduce excessive availability of alcohol in the community as well as reduce risks associated with its use. The following ordiances are tools that may be used in creating a healthy environment.
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Conditional Use Permit (CUP) - Part 1 (24k) - Part 2 (12k)
Working closely with the Vallejo City Council, the VAPC was successful in 1994 in passing a conditional use permit (CUP) for alcoholic beverages that provides a formal and powerful mechanism for individuals and groups to shape decisions the City makes which may affect the quality of the neighborhoods. A CUP is an ordinance, adopted by a city or county; that provides for operating "conditions" or restrictions on all new alcohol outlets, and those changing ownership or changing the manner in which they do business.
The Teen Party Ordinance is designed to reduce the number of large teen keg parties. The ordinance creates a financial liability on the part of parents when parties are held at their home when alcohol is present and the police are called to respond to a disturbance caused by the party. Passage of this ordinance will, over time, generate an increased sense of responsibility on the part of adults to ensure that they are not part of the problem of underage drinking.
Deemed Approved Ordinance (32k)
In late 1998 the City of Vallejo passed an ordiance called the "Deemed Approved Ordinance". The law places operating standards one existing alcohol outlets designed to reduce nuisance related activities occurring around the premises. The new law is working as evidenced by the 53% reduction in problem-related police calls for service at liquor stores, convenience stores selling alcohol, bars, and restaurants, according to the Vallejo Police Department.
Val's Heritage Market
The Heritage neighborhood Council worked the the owners of Val's Liquor Store to share information with the owners about alcohol-related problems and how the liquor store was unsuspectingly contribuing to a deteriorating quality of life in the vicinity. After considerable discussion, all parties agreed that it was in the best interest of the store and neighborhood to work toward a new image and product mix. This example can serve as a model for other neighborhoods to follow was they grapple with outlet-related problems.
