On Nov. 7, the City of Syracuse Common Council unanimously passed the "Nuisance Party Ordinance," stating that no responsible person shall sponsor, conduct, host, invite or permit a nuisance party. The ordinance will take effect city-wide immediately upon the mayor's signature, which is expected within 10 days.
The ordinance defines a nuisance party as a party in which any of the following behaviors are observed: disorderly conduct; unlawful possession of an open container; outdoor urination or defecation in a public place; unlawful sale, furnishing, dispensing or consumption of an alcoholic beverage; sale or furnishing of an alcoholic beverage to an underage person; possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage by an underage person; unlawful possession, sale or use of a controlled substance; unlawful deposit of litter or refuse; unlawful pedestrian or vehicular traffic; standing or parking of vehicles that obstructs the free flow of traffic on public streets and sidewalks, or that impedes the ability to render emergency service; or unlawfully loud noise. The ordinance defines "responsible person" as the property owners, occupants or tenants of the premises of the nuisance party.
Upon observation of a nuisance party, the Syracuse Police Department may approach the premises and disband the party, in which case all non-residents must leave the premises. Anyone violating the ordinance in the City of Syracuse may be fined up to $500, and/or imprisoned for a maximum of 15 days.
For more information, contact Syracuse University's Office of Government and Community Relations at (315) 443-3919.
