REPORT TO MAYOR AND COUNCIL NO. 99-7 CA

DATE: December 7, 1999

SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A TRIAL PERIOD FOR ALLOWING THOSE 18 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER IN POOL AND BILLIARD HALLS

On November 9, 1999 the Lucky Shot and Bank Shot Billiard Hall owners requested the City Council change the age of those allowed in pool halls from 21 and over to 18 and over, or at a minimum provide for a 6 month trial period of allowing 18 and older in such establishments.

The provision has been in the Municipal Code for many years. Research indicates that in the mid-1960's the limitations were:

(a) under 18 could not enter or remain unless accompanied by a parent or guardian;

(b) under 18 could not be in such establishments after 10 p.m.;

(c) if the establishment had an alcoholic beverage license, no one under 21 was permitted.

The cities of Palo Alto and Mountain View both allow 18 year olds and over in such establishments, apparently even though alcohol may be served. However, Palo Alto has a comprehensive licensing scheme and Mountain View has a comprehensive permitting scheme for the regulation of these business, which are overseen by the chief of police in both cities. Sunnyvale's regulation consists solely of the age prohibition. There are policy matters to be considered if lasting or substantial changes are to be made to the regulation and it is recommended the matter be treated as a study calendar item. However, as an interim measure, a six-month trial period liberalizing the age requirement is proposed.

None.

Publication of agenda.

1. Enact an ordinance establishing a six-month trial period for allowing those 18 years of age and older in pool and billiard halls.

2. Make no change to current regulations.

Alternative 1.

Valerie J. Armento
City Attorney