The Madison Police Department released a statement this past Monday warning Mifflin residents that they will be monitoring the anticipated Mifflin Street Block Party. They threatened to hand out citations for individuals caught violating county health orders and underage drinking.
The annual block party, which is not sanctioned or permitted by the City of Madison, is expected to take place on Saturday, April 24. MPD issued a letter to Mifflin residents this week, outlining the precautions that possible attendees must follow per Public Health Madison and Dane County guidelines.
Following Emergency Order 15, which went into effect on April 7, indoor gatherings where food or drinks are offered are limited to 150 people while outdoor gatherings no longer have a limit. However, during both indoor and outdoor gatherings, participants must maintain six feet of physical distancing.
“Now is not the time to let our guard down,” PHMDC Communications Coordinator Morgan Finke said in an email to the Cardinal. “With more transmissible variants present in our community, we must continue to follow local guidelines; including wearing masks, washing hands and maintaining physical distancing.”
Public Health violations can result in a minimum fine of $376, the letter states.
Additionally, MPD said they will issue citations for alcohol and noise-related offenses. These include:
- Underage drinking – If you look under 21 and have alcohol, you will be asked to provide proof of age. (Mandatory Court and citation of $187 for first offense)
- Procuring Alcohol – If you provide alcohol to someone who is not yet 21, you will be cited. This includes underage people who walk into your open home and help themselves to alcohol. You are responsible for controlling who comes into your home and any alcohol you have in your residence. ($376 per violation per roommate)
- Dispensing Alcohol – You and your friends who are 21 or older can buy alcohol together and drink alcohol together, but you cannot resemble a bar. Any exchange of money for alcohol constitutes dispensing alcohol. ($681 per roommate)
- Open Intoxicants on Public Street – The 'Public Street' extends from the sidewalk across the street to the opposite sidewalk. No open alcohol is allowed in this area. ($313)
- Unreasonable Noise – Unreasonable noise can include anything from a loud individual person to loud music coming from speakers or other devices. ($187 per roommate)
Last year, MPD implemented a harsher approach to enforce Gov. Evers’ Stay-At-Home Order, which asked Wisconsinites to avoid gatherings and stay in their place of residence as much as possible — only to leave for essential business and operations.
UW-Madison plans to assist the city in enforcing public health measures, according to News and Media Relations correspondent Meredith McGlone.
“We support the City of Madison’s message to Mifflin Street residents and will assist them with holding students accountable through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards,” McGlone told the Cardinal in an email.
Mifflin Street resident and UW-Madison senior Holly Anderson said that last week police stopped by her house and neighboring Basset households, explaining that party-goers should social distance and wear masks out on the sidewalk. Police also stated that households who have too many people in their yards could face fines.
“I’m really excited that Mifflin is a possibility this year, and I hope everyone is able to adhere to guidelines so we can all have the most fun possible,” Anderson said.
