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Cops Crack Down on Drunkenness in BarsIssue nearly 20 tickets thus farThe Anchorage Police Department is working to control excessive drinking in bars around Anchorage. So far they've arrested and cited nearly 20 people for being drunk in a bar. It may sound counterintuitive that someone can be arrested for being drunk in a bar, but Title Four in the "Alcoholic Beverage Control" manual gives officers the right to cite not only people who've consumed too much, but also the people who overserve them. Anchorage police have been monitoring bars across the area, but the 20 or so arrests were made at six downtown bars: The Pioneer Bar, the Panhandle, The Gaslight Lounge, the Polar Bar, Rum Runners and Platinum Jaxx. Police say excessive drinking contributes to other crimes like sexual assaults and driving under the influence, and that's what they hope to prevent. Officers say they look for obvious signs of drunkenness, like slurred speech and coordination problems. Arrest warrants are pending for six bartenders who will be cited for overserving. Police declined to say where they worked, as they've not been cited yet. Officers say they will continue the patrols indefinitely. |
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cooljulie said on Thursday, Jan 12 at 12:53 PM
Dale- I agree there are a lot of alcohol related problems in Alaska, both in AND out of the bar industry. But I'm curious to know- Do you (or anybody) have any concrete facts which support the allegation that dui is directly connected to people being over served? I've never seen it proven.
79784596Dale said on Wednesday, Jan 11 at 11:32 PM
The bar scene is fairly dangerous and out of control in Anchorage. If you've been around it, you know the players, what really goes on and the reality of the business. It's not a pretty picture. Alcohol abuse = no bueno. Problem is, there's BIG money in the business. Over-serving is in the best interest of the bartenders because patrons "had a really great time." Repeat customers turn into DUI offenders. Who's keeping our jails and half-way houses at full capacity? DUI "criminals" are. Alcohol abuse has been supported for a long time in the Anchorage scene - it's gone too far. When all of the hard working young men you know have at least one DUI, and you find your self in a sham of addiction counseling ordered by the court, maybe it's time to say there's a problem. Maybe the cops are finally addressing the root cause of all these "criminal" DUI offenders. I'm glad the police are waking up to the real culprit. Our "legal" drug dealers have been preying on the community for a long time.
79751361I forgot said on Tuesday, Jan 10 at 7:05 PM
The port expansion facilities is the priority! that's why the concentration of "drunk-bustin" downtown!!! that would also explain why the other downtown dives (even the ones with the nice names) are left alone....this town and state is more corrupt than ever!
79691433bubba said on Monday, Jan 9 at 3:27 PM
I seen a guy puke at Koots and he hadn't even drank yet! Was eatin that nasty pizza from white spot! What happened to the skinny tattoo guy with the red ponytail that used to cook the pizza there? His was awesome!
79629594cooljulie said on Monday, Jan 9 at 3:23 PM
Evidently the heroin and meth dealers have all been arrested so now we can go after the harmless drunks, right? Right? Anybody?
79629444Just saying said on Saturday, Jan 7 at 8:15 PM
The last time the city did a "Clean up" like this, buildings were demolished and federal buildings were put up in their places. And a parking garage too. So Bernies, Humpies, McGinnley's, and...(what's that dive that's upstairs???) are not on the list for enforcement? Sounds fishy to me.
79553021Whats up with this said on Saturday, Jan 7 at 7:56 PM
Old liquor laws that are just now being enforced?!? Why the DOWNTOWN area only? Is this more "clean up" from the Knowles administration friends and business partners in the area? What type of nonsense are the city planners concocting this time? Brett said, "This policy is absolutely ridiculous. Anyone who thinks this is reasonable usage of governmental authority and tax dollars should grow up. Next lets bring back the draft and prohibition." I think this is a POLITICALLY CORRECT FORM OF PROHIBITION! Notice APD isn't casing the psychiatric doctor's offices, because a lot of those people are UNDER THE INFLUENCE as well!!! I guess it's easier to go after drinkers than to go after the gang-bangers and thieves.
79552584Jim Cares said on Saturday, Jan 7 at 1:10 PM
the reporter heather hinze is HOTT!
79540764DMC said on Friday, Jan 6 at 9:10 AM
I guess they should have arrested the guy that died at Karluk manor, he would still be alive today!
79479664Jb157 said on Friday, Jan 6 at 3:19 AM
It's like shooting fish in a barrel. Don't cops have better things to do like busting sidewalk sitters? I knew Dano took them off parking patrol for a reason.
79462484CA said on Thursday, Jan 5 at 10:22 PM
I'd like to know exactly how they decide which bartenders to arrest, as most places how multiple bartenders working. What if the person was already hammered when they came in and didn't even buy a drink there? What if their friend bought it for them? Wouldn't it seem more reasonable to just have a stronger police presence around the bars
79458254rich said on Thursday, Jan 5 at 4:17 PM
The sale of motor vehicles leads to driving while intoxicated. Lets stop the sale of motor vehicles...
79444538Charlie said on Thursday, Jan 5 at 3:32 PM
WOW!!! Looks like cops are bored. Hey cops maybe go fight crime. Just saying.
79442558Brett said on Thursday, Jan 5 at 2:58 PM
This policy is absolutely ridiculous. Anyone who thinks this is reasonable usage of governmental authority and tax dollars should grow up. Next lets bring back the draft and prohibition.
79441229jon said on Thursday, Jan 5 at 1:37 PM
Isn't the crime here in the bar dispensing too much alcohol to these people? This is like saying to people in McDonald's, you are too fat, we must arrest you. It's too much! I hate alcohol and problems associated with it but this is just too much Gov't.
79436957jutch said on Thursday, Jan 5 at 1:10 PM
PIONEER!!!! lol, let's see here. only 20 arrests...hmmmm.....their powers of observation are so in tune with the people who frequent these places, how could they have found only 20!?!?lol what a bunch of b.s.!!!!
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