All I can say is, "stupid cops"!! It's not like we are getting in our cars and driving home from the bar!

However, because of BMORG officially being warned about this issue by the cops, we must all take note that if we go through with our plan to serve shots during the night shift in addition to coffee and tea, *YOU MUST BE CAREFUL*! Would suck to be dragged off by the jerk police so be cognazent that if someone looks like they are 16 you may put yourself at risk by serving them. Our Bar area will be considered a "public area" by the cops.

Jeff


--- "Harley K. Dubois" wrote:

> Date: Wed, 10 Aug 2005 12:49:08 -0700
> To: harley@burningman.com
> From: "Harley K. Dubois" <harley@burningman.com>
> Subject: Underage Drinking at Burning Man
>
> Dear Bars on the Playa,
>
> Well, it is always something. Please take note. This year we have
> been informed that local law enforcement would like to see us address
>
> the issue of under age drinking. Though we, the organization, are
> not offering alcohol to anyone and are not responsible for your bars,
>
> there are possible consequences for you and us if we did not address
> this issue. So, I am sending out this letter to make sure you are
> fully informed.
>
> We do not believe that there are any rampant problems with underage
> drinking at our event that would merit investigation. Consequently,
> we expect that law enforcement will act the same this year as they
> have in the past. However, you should be aware of Nevada laws on
> under age drinking. Here are some useful facts:
>
> - It is a misdemeanor to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21
>
> years old in Nevada. The law still applies if the alcohol is gifted
> as opposed to sold. Theme camps are considered public space and
> subject to enforcement of this law. (NRS 202.055)
>
> In 2001 the Nevada State Supreme Court limited the application of NRS
>
> 202.055 to only servers who had actual or constructive knowledge that
>
> the person seeking the alcohol was under 21. This means that you
> must card someone who looks underage. Conversely, if someone looks of
>
> age you are not required to card him or her.
>
> - It is a misdemeanor for a minor to consume or possess an alcoholic
> beverage in a public space (e.g., theme camps, open playa, center
> camp, etc. (NRS 202.020)
>
> - It is a misdemeanor to a minor to pass him or herself off as being
> of age. (NRS 202.040)
>
> - Misdemeanors carry the following penalties: Up to 6 months in
> county jail, and/or a fine up to $1,000. Alternatively, community
> service may be sentenced in lieu of, or in conjunction with jail time
>
> and fines. (NRS 176.087)
>
> - If a minor loiters in a place where alcoholic beverages are
> consumed (besides a food establishment) then the minor could receive
> a fine up to $500. (NRS 202.030) Also, if the person in charge of
> the "tavern" allows the minor to loiter then he or she could be fined
>
> up to $500 also. (NRS 202.060)
>
> - Enforcement of the laws is either done by carding the person
> outright, or through undercover sting operations.
>
> None of this is new and not terribly different from most other state
> laws. It could be worse in other states! No need for alarm. This
> letter is merely for information.
>
> Our recommendations -
>
> 1. Use good common sense when serving alcohol.
> 2. Understand your prerogative to serve someone and carefully
> consider your options with people who look less than 21.
> 3. Have an extra person from your camp present while serving alcohol
> to act as a witnesses, just in case.
> 4. Don't get minors drunk. That just isn't cool.
>
> It is worth noting that federal and local law enforcement priorities
> differ on this issue. If you find yourself in an unfortunate
> encounter please get a badge number and note what agency you are
> dealing with. It might come in handy.
>
> Thanks for your time,
>
> Harley
>
>
> --
> Harley K. DuBois
> Black Rock City LLC
> Community Services and Playa Safety
> 415 865-3800, ext 103