Utah’s capital city is exploring a new approach to address “unruly” parties and gatherings, but city leaders say they also want to better define these events before enacting a new law.
The proposed ordinance would essentially double the fine for parties, gatherings or events on private properties that “disturb the public peace, safety and welfare of the community” and “require undue law enforcement response to restore the public peace and safety.” It would also shift liability to property owners, which city officials hope will also curb recurring nuisances.
“The city has a significant interest in avoiding the unnecessary use of law enforcement resources on unruly parties, events and gatherings at the expense of more critical public safety needs,” it states. “Private property owners should bear primary responsibility for ensuring that their property is not used for unruly parties, gatherings or events.”
Handling ‘unruly’ events
The proposal is tied to an uptick of large house parties that have gotten out of hand, especially within private housing rented by university students, said Salt Lake City Police Deputy Chief Bill Manzanares…