Action | New regulation regulating noise emanating from licensed establishments |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 2/20/2008 |
This latest proposed regulation highlights an ongoing problem with the Department of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL....the expansion into law enforcement areas that have nothing to do with the mission of the dept, which is to "CONTROL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES". Currently, there is no statewide definition of unlawfully "noisy", yet ABC seeks to create one for just one industry. Localities already have the power to create noise control ordinances that reflect the values and choices of those locales. What is acceptable to residents of Highland County is probably different from what residents and business owners want at the Virginia Beach oceanfront or in downtown Richmond. For the state to impose its viewpoint on all parts of the Commonwealth is simply ridiculous. ABC needs to get back to the basics of regulating the flow of alcohol in Virginia. That is the sole legitimate purpose of the department, and if licensees keep having to fight the effort to gain more power, it might be time to consider eliminating this unnecessary layer of government.