Erie City Council is expected to take a final vote Wednesday evening on amendments to the existing city ordinance regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the city.
The amendments would create specific rules regarding open containers and the consumption of alcoholic beverages on public property.
Here are more details about the proposed changes and the opinions on both sides of the issue.
What is being proposed?
The amendments prohibit drinking alcohol in public parks or on public property in the city, such as parks and parking garages; and carrying or possessing open containers of alcohol on public property.
They also create exceptions to the law for “events, attractions or functions permitted by the city of Erie;” private dwellings; and premises “duly licensed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.”
Violations of the ordinance are summary offenses punishable by fines of up to $300 and a maximum of 90 days in jail.
City Council approved the changes via a first-reading vote on Sept. 4.