Enforcement of city drinking ordinances at Saturday's Mifflin Street Block Party will mirror that of prior years, city officials said Tuesday night.
More than 50 people gathered at the Mifflin Street Senior Center, 330 Mifflin St., to pay close attention to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, and police department representatives as they ensured party goers and throwers that law enforcement will not be increased despite the controversial date change.
The panel clarified issues regarding music volume and its concluding time. A easonable volume"" is expected of those hosting bands on their porches, and all music is expected to end by 8:00 p.m.
Central District Captain of Police Mary Schauf said residents who decide to entertain guests will be held responsible for them and their actions. They are also expected to keep this in mind when distributing alcohol, which is illegal without a permit.
""Now that the city has decided to go with the 30th, police have essentially decided to go with that,"" Schauf said. ""If you provide for your guests and follow the guidelines discussed tonight, that's fine. We just ask that you don't provide for the whole downtown area.""
Schauf pledged to Mifflin residents that safety will remain the focus of the weekend, despite misconceptions that officers would be less tolerant.
Although police will not be overbearing while conducting their duties, attendants breaking the law will still receive citations. One law that will be strictly enforced is the glass ban in all surrounding neighborhoods. Those who fail to comply will face a $288 ticket.
As in previous years, alcohol will be prohibited in the streets and in any areas not located on private property. Parking lots behind Mifflin Street residencies are considered private and unenforceable by law. Other activities that will be cited include underage drinking and public urination.
Verveer expressed gratitude for the cooperation between law officials and residents and exuded confidence in this year's party expectations.
""I'm very optimistic that things will be really awesome on Saturday,"" he said.
Following the date change of the Mifflin Party, Verveer pleaded for residents to refrain from having parties May 7, the university's official study day before finals.
""I'm going to beg to you to please not have two parties,"" he said. ""Respect your neighbors that want to have time in their own homes to study for their finals.""
UW-Madison sophomore and Mifflin Street resident Scott Luzi said he was relieved following the meeting.
""Coming in to the meeting I had lots of questions regarding how certain rules would be enforced,"" he said. ""For the most part, the panel seemed willing to make the party as good as it has been in the past.""
