Proposed Ordinance Aims To Curb Public Drinking In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — A proposed ordinance aimed at curbing the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public within Stamford would fine violators $100, the Stamford Advocate reported.

The ordinance would prohibit people from consuming any alcoholic beverages or having an open container "on or within the limits of any public highway or public area within the City of Stamford," the Advocate said, noting that the ordinance is based off a similar measure in New Haven. It would apply to people in parked cars, too.

There would be an exception for permitted events.

Rep. Jeffrey Stella (D-9), a sponsor of the ordinance who represents a section of the West Side, wanted the Board of Representatives' Public Safety and Health Committee to move the ordinance along last week, the Advocate said.

Some felt the ordinance was an effective deterrent to stop the problem of public drinking and intoxication, while others suggested public outreach in the form of a task force, the Advocate reported. The committee voted to revisit discussion in April.

Stamford's current ordinance states, "No intoxicating liquor, except beer, shall be sold or consumed on any municipally owned property, and no intoxicating liquor whatsoever shall be sold or consumed on any city street or in any vehicle upon city streets."

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