Ontario city testing initiative aimed at curbing public drunkenness
An Ontario city that’s frequently been home to large, rowdy student parties is enlisting a local university and the court system in an effort to curb public drunkenness.
The mayor of Kingston, Ont., says a pilot program dubbed the University District Safety Initiative creates tougher consequences for those partying on city streets, particularly during times of the year when high-profile student gatherings take place.
Under the terms of the project, people violating Kingston’s nuisance party bylaw, or flouting liquor or noise bylaws during certain times of the year, will have to answer to charges in person at a local courthouse rather than paying a fine online or by phone.
Any Queen’s University student issued a summons during the year will also have their name disclosed to the school, which may impose some non-academic sanctions.