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Lawrence Licensing Board adopts amended licensing rules, adds fines and new function‑hall requirements
Summary
The board voted to adopt a package of amended licensing rules that add fines (e.g., $100 for failure to post a license; $300 for loud-music or capacity violations), require certain video surveillance and security registration, and add new function‑hall inspection and crowd‑manager requirements; the amendments take effect after signature and posting.
On June 24 the Lawrence Licensing Board adopted a set of amendments to its rules and regulations intended to strengthen safety and compliance requirements for licensed establishments.
The changes, presented at the meeting and approved by motion (moved by Commissioner Leal, seconded by Commissioner Morales), include a $100 fine for failure to post a liquor license; $300 fines for loud music audible from the public way, capacity violations, pyrotechnics, and video-surveillance violations; a 60-day license classification for some clubs; and a requirement that off-premise licensees install and maintain video systems.
Function-hall provisions were expanded: function halls must comply with Lawrence Licensing Board rules and ABCC standards, submit to a fire-department inspection before operation, close one hour earlier than equivalent alcohol‑permitted hours, be responsible for guest and staff conduct and safety, and (for venues over 100 people) provide a certified crowd manager.
Board members said the recommendations reflect several years of feedback from business owners, the police and the fire department and were not made lightly. The board directed the clerk to have the signed amendments reviewed by the city attorney and posted by the city clerk; staff said the new rules will be posted online once processed.
The board also noted enforcement tools tied to the amendments: fines can be issued by police or Inspectional Services, and unpaid fines may affect license renewal and could ultimately lead to license suspension or revocation.
What happens next: The clerk will file the signed amendments with the city attorney and city clerk for posting and distribution to businesses. The board said it will consider a community meeting to explain the changes to license holders.
