Features
San Jose Brew-haha
Police and Downtown Association members in San Jose, Calif., managed to work out their differences regarding alleged underage drinking and security concerns during summer concerts held in the city’s parks.
Three teens were reportedly ticketed for possessing alcohol during a June 12th concert by Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks. Police were said to have responded to reports of numerous fights at a June 26th show featuring Midnight Star, according to the Mercury News.
After police busted the minors, the state Department of Alcohol Beverage Control put the kibosh on alcohol sales at the 20-year concert series. The ABC said there wasn’t enough security around the beer and wine booths and bartenders were allowing solo patrons to buy more than two drinks at a time, the paper said.
Association members asked the ABC for a review, saying beer and wine sales go a long way toward offsetting the costs of the free shows.
"That is why we are asking for this review, we believe this is essentially a $25,000 fine with no hearing, no citation," Scott Knies, association executive director, told the Mercury News. "It is severe punishment."
The parties were able to work out a new agreement and alcohol sales were back on, the paper said.
The next concert featuring Pete Escovedo and his orchestra was scheduled for July 10th at the city’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez.