Palmetto to consider updated alcohol ordinance

If you're under 21 and in a place in Palmetto that serves alcoholic beverages, you'd better leave if a new ordinance takes effect.

The Palmetto City Commission on Monday will have the first reading of an ordinance to ban those under 21 from drinking establishments when alcohol is being served to those over 21. This is to bring the city's laws more in line with Manatee County's.

The ordinance will also make it illegal to present false identification to gain entry into such a place.

However, there are exceptions, including if a person under 21 is working at the establishment; is providing a service such as security, maintenance or entertainment; is making a delivery to the establishment; is performing a public or legal duty such as law enforcement, fire suppression, building inspection or health inspection; or when the establishment is not selling alcoholic beverages such as for a teen night.

The ordinance provides exceptions to restaurants, hotels, fairgrounds and other establishments whose primary business is not selling alcohol.

Also Monday, the city will consider approving the School Board's purchase of land assembled by the Community Redevelopment Agency, including a building on 10^th Avenue that the city has been using to store property. The agreement will let the city store property there for two years. The land is for the relocation of Palmetto Elementary School.

The commission will also have the first reading of an amendment to the rules governing special function permits.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the commission chambers at City Hall, 516 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto.