A policy that would crack down on house parties did not move forward during a Eugene City Council meeting Monday night, according to an ASUO press release.
The policy, called the social host ordinance, was drafted by the Neighborhood Livability Work Group — a committee of representatives from the University, city of Eugene, neighborhood associations and property owners. The ordinance would fine students $500 who live at a residence where a party was thrown that involved underage drinking, illicit drug use and loud noise.
ASUO President Ben Eckstein and Vice President Katie Taylor met with Mayor Kitty Piercy April 20 to discuss students’ concerns with the policy. Ten University students went to the council meeting Monday night and four testified their opposition to the ordinance in front of council members. @@http://kittypiercy.com/@@
“It was clear during the work session that concerns brought forth by students had a direct impact on their decision on the ordinance,” Eckstein said.
In the press release, Eckstein said that Mayor Piercy agreed that the fines were too harsh and that the council and work group should come up with alternatives.
“Even if changes are made, the ordinance as it was written is dead,” Eckstein said. “Another ordinance would have to be very different.”