“The Council is criminalizing students with this ordinance.”- Student Association Legislative Affairs Director Tyler Kristopeit

The Milwaukee Common Council unanimously approved a new ordinance just before winter break that further regulates unlicensed alcohol distribution, surprising students who feel the measure targets house parties around campus.

The ordinance prohibits the operation of an illegal tavern and will raise the minimum fine for a violation to $2,500 from the current $300 penalty. The ordinance covers any sale of alcohol without a license, including house parties that charge for the alcohol served. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student Association (SA) fears that the ordinance was changed to target students. “The Student Association is really disappointed in the Common Council’s decision,” said SA Legislative Affairs Director Tyler Kristopeit. “The council is criminalizing students with this ordinance.” Kristopeit added that the Student Association was unaware of the ordinance until it passed, noting that “it caught us by surprise” with UWM students finishing up finals at the time. He hopes to meet with Council officials soon to discuss the matter.

According to 3rd District Ald. Michael D’Amato, the ordinance does not target any group or demographic specifically; it simply seeks to deter unlawful alcohol distribution. D’Amato said that enforcement of the ordinance will not change and that anyone selling alcohol without a license will be punished, whether the violation involves a house party or any other unlicensed sale of alcoholic beverages. The ordinance will not affect giving away alcohol, according to D’Amato. “This measure targets anybody who is operating an illegal tavern, house party or otherwise,” said D’Amato. D’Amato also indicated that the ordinance had been discussed at neighborhood association meetings, a group that has student representation.

The ordinance will not take effect until Feb. 1 to give residents and students a chance to learn about the fine changes. “We didn’t want to implement this as students are just coming back,” said D’Amato. “Waiting until Feb. 1 will give people time to get the information they need on this.”

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