| Ban on Single Sales in Ward 6; What Do You Think? |
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| Written by Charles Allen | |
| Monday, 07 July 2008 | |
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In early June, Tommy introduced legislation to prohibit the sale of single containers of beer, malt liqour and ale -- part of a growing movement of the ban on single containters in the city (Council passed a ban for Ward 4 a couple of years ago, and most recently, Wards 7 and 8 put bans in place). The bill was referred to the Committee on Public Works and the Environment chaired by Councilmember Jim Graham. Click here to read a press release on the proposal, and more detail about how the Ward 6 ban would differ from bans in other wards. This Friday, July 11th, at 10:00 am, the Ward 6 Single Sales Moratorium will be the subject of a public hearing. The hearing will be in Room 123 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW. Everyone is encouraged to testify. The hearing is open to the public and you are encouraged to testify. In the event that you cannot attend, you can submit testimony in the form of a letter to be included in the official record. Or, leave a comment on the blog and we'll sumbit it for you. To sign up to testify, you need to contact Mr. Marcus Goodwin, 202-724-8195 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it before 5 pm on Thursday, July 10th. If you attend the hearing to testify, you will be given 3 minutes to present and you should bring 15 copies of your written testimony (if you can’t make copies, we can do that for you in our office when you arrive). Let us know if you have any questions or if we can be helpful in your preparation for the hearing. Need more information? Click Here for a copy of the legislation UPDATE [7/16/2008]: The legislation passed first reading of Council -- you can read more by clicking here. Readers have left 10 comments. (1) Untitled 2008-07-08 04:18:29 I wanted to briefly state that I am glad that Councilmember Wells has introduced this legislation. Though it received rough criticism in Ward 4 a few years ago, the environment on Georgia Avenue and Eastern Ave has gotten better, but just as there were issues the community must support the Councilmembers efforts and get owners of liquor stores to support this. I think it is great!!!
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' title='Click to send email'>  Written by Juan-Jose D. Garza () (2) Untitled 2008-07-08 10:24:50 i generally support a singles ban but I'd like to see it universally applied. I live in an area that borders 3 wards and it seems very unfair to impose a ban in one area & not another. It puts many small businesses at a disadvantage. Furthermore, enforcement becomes problematic when you have some areas where single sales are permitted, and some where they are not. Its good that you have proposed this for your entire Ward 6. I wish Councilmember Evans had done the same instead of just the eastern chunk of Ward 2. (3) Untitled 2008-07-09 12:47:30 I think it is an excellent idea. Is there any way citizens can help this to pass? (4) Untitled 2008-07-10 13:02:05 Although I strongly support the single sales ban legislation, I also strongly feel there should be no exception, regardless of a "voluntary agreement." My reasons are: 1) Single sales contribute to alcoholism and aggressive panhandling. 2) Single sales contribute to littering in the store's immediate vicinity. 3) Single sales contribute to public drunkness and public urination (or worse), especially in the homeless. 4) Single sales contribute to loitering, therefore encouraging other illegal activities (drugs, property crimes). 5) The above issues are a poor example for minors in the neighborhoods. 6) The above issues contribute to lower property values for respectful homeowners, and create a poor environment for homeowners and renters alike, as well as other business owners. 7) Single sales do not provide a single, arguable benefit for the community. They only contribute to liquor store profits, which can be made up through other means (e.g. slight increases in the prices of other properly packaged products). I recommend not allowing any exemptions for "voluntary agreements." These take too much time and energy to enforce; rapid enforcement is not likely. It isn't that the liquor stores must go; they should, however, minimize impact to the community, not contribute to blight. Due to the last minute nature of the public commentary period (<5 days) I will be unable to provide my testimony in person. Please consider my points in the discussion during tomorrow's session. Thanks. Written by EA () (5) Untitled 2008-07-10 18:21:56 I wholeheartedly support the ban on single sales. As a resident of 6B08 who has a dog, I walk all over the neighborhood quite a bit. The biggest trash nuisance I see is broken glass and empty beer bottles and cans which inevitably seem to be from large, single serve bottles and cans. I constantly worry that my dog will cut his feet on the broken glass from discarded beer bottles. (6) Untitled 2008-07-10 21:12:43 I strongly support this ban. As does every single neighbor I've ever talked to about it. Written by Hillman () (7) Untitled 2008-07-11 09:31:53 I know that I speak for the residents of 400 Mass Ave in wholeheartedly supporting this ban. I constantly encounter both broken 40oz containers and drunken panhandlers on my walk home from the Metro. Considering our close proximity to the Mall and convention center, this ban is extremely important to our neighborhood's economic health and perceived image. I would also like to see the City consider dealing with the chairs and grills that are permanent residents in the park between Mass and H St on the bridge over I-395. Its not the best way to greet visitors (and potential homeowners) to our supposedly revitalized community. (8) Untitled 2008-07-11 23:00:12 I fully support the ban and applaud this legislative initiative by Councilmember Wells. Written by Guest User () (9) Untitled 2008-07-15 09:55:17 I back it. the store at the corner of 6th and H, while convenient for some items, is a nuisance. the line for single-sales forms early and is steady. the smell of urine (and sometimes worse) in my alley is horrendous. (10) Untitled 2008-07-16 15:32:19 I fully support the ban. I hope the Council provides support to corner stores to change their respective business models to off-set the loss of revenue from the ban. We have an opportunity to provide healthier food and use the space in corner stores that previously went to sale of alcohol. Written by guest user () |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 16 July 2008 ) |
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