Letter To Washington DC Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, And Chairman Vincent C. Gray, Council Of The DIstrict Of Columbia
Letter
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) wrote a letter today to D.C. Mayor, Adrian Fenty and D.C. Council Chairman, Vincent Gray, asking them to reconsider legislation that would allow District bars and restaurants to serve alcohol until 5:00am during the week of the presidential inauguration. The Inaugural Celebration Extension of Hours Emergency Act of 2008, extends the hours of bars and restaurants from January 17th through January 21st, 2009.
Durbin joined others in expressing concerns that the policy could "invite excessive drinking, strain local law enforcement resources and increase the risk of harmful alcohol-related incidents, including drunk driving, during the inaugural period."
"I understand that you have heard concerns from law enforcement officials, community leaders, D.C. Downtown Cluster of Congregations," Durbin wrote. "I believe these concerns are legitimate, and I join with those who urge you to address them."
"I have been a strong supporter of home rule for the District of Columbia, and I am respectful of the Council's prerogative to pass laws governing the District. At the same time, we all share personal and professional interest in ensuring that President-elect Obama's Inauguration proceeds in a safe and dignified manner."
Durbin's letter urges the District to amend the legislation to alleviate some of the numerous concerns that have been raised by members of the Council, Members of Congress, outside groups and local residents.
Durbin is the Chairman of the Senate Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees the budget for the District.
A copy of the letter can be found below:
December 16, 2008
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 316
Washington, DC 20004
Chairman Vincent C. Gray
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Room 504
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Mayor Fenty and Council Chairman Gray:
Next month, the eyes of the nation and the world will be on Washington D.C. for the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Millions of visitors are expected to attend this historic Inauguration and accompanying celebrations, and in my capacity as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, I look forward to working with you to ensure that the District of Columbia provides a safe and welcoming environment.
I write today regarding the Inaugural Celebration Extension of Hours Emergency Act of 2008 ("the Act"), legislation recently passed by the City Council that would permit District bars, nightclubs and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages until 5 a.m. from January 17 through January 21, 2009. I understand that you have heard concerns about the Act from law enforcement officials, community leaders, the D.C. Downtown Cluster of Congregations, Senate Sergeant at Arms Terrance Gainer, and Senators Feinstein and Bennett, among others. They have noted that the Act in its current form could invite excessive drinking, strain law enforcement resources, and increase the risk of harmful alcohol-related incidents, including drunk driving, during the Inauguration period. Because the Act was passed as emergency legislation with limited opportunity for public input, many of these concerns may not have been adequately raised and considered before the Council's vote. I believe these concerns are legitimate, and I join with those who urge you to address them.
I have been a strong supporter of home rule for the District of Columbia, and I am respectful of the Council's prerogative to pass laws governing the District. At the same time, we all share a personal and professional interest in ensuring that President-elect Obama's Inauguration proceeds in a safe and dignified manner. The Council has the ability to amend the Act during upcoming legislative meetings, and it is my understanding that certain Council members may seek to amend the Act in ways that would alleviate the concerns raised. I believe this would be a positive outcome, and I urge you to support reasonable amendments to the Act that would reduce the risk of alcohol-related harms during the Inaugural period.
Thank you for all you do to keep the District of Columbia and all those who live and visit there safe.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
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