Chapter 5.32
BANQUETS
Sections:
5.32.050 Prohibitions at banquets.
5.32.010 Purpose.
The city council has determined that it is in the best interest of public safety to regulate banquets, receptions and certain gatherings of people within the city. It has been brought to the attention of the city council that previously unregulated banquets have resulted in fighting, assaults, littering and excessive consumption of alcohol. The city council has therefore determined that to enhance public safety and to protect property it is necessary to regulate such banquets in the fashion set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 690 § 1, 1990)
5.32.020 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, “banquet” means the gathering of people upon property or in a building other than a private residence, for the purposes of honoring a person or an event, where liquor, beers or wines can be consumed by persons in attendance. Examples include wedding receptions, retirement parties, birthdays, holiday parties and similar types of functions. (Ord. 690 § 2, 1990)
5.32.030 Permit – Required.
It is unlawful for any person to hold or stage a banquet within the city without having first obtained a permit therefor. Furthermore, it is unlawful for any person owning a building or other property to allow said building or property to be used for purposes of a banquet for which a permit to conduct the same has not been granted. The permit required under this chapter is separate from and in addition to the business license issued under Chapter 5.04 ZMC, which may also be required when applicable. (Ord. 1515 § 9, 2020; Ord. 690 § 3, 1990)
5.32.040 Permit – Issuance.
A. Permits for banquets shall be issued by the chief of police or other officer designated by the chief to issue permits in his absence. Permits may be issued only after the applicant provides satisfactory evidence of the following:
1. That the applicant is a person of good moral character having not been convicted of a violation of any state or federal statute pertaining to intoxicating liquors or controlled substances;
2. That the building or other facility where the banquet is to be held or conducted is a site or location meeting applicable building codes, fire codes and otherwise appears to be a location where a banquet can be safely held;
3. That the applicant has made a written application or request for the permit indicating the applicant’s name, address, purpose for the banquet and number of persons attending, and date and time of the banquet;
4. That the applicant has obtained and shows proof of a permit and compliance with regulations of the Washington State Liquor Control Board concerning the consumption of liquors, beers and wines;
5. That the applicant shows proof of hiring an approved security officer obtained and paid by the applicant to attend the banquet and provide order and security during the conduct of the proceedings.
B. The chief of police or his designee shall consider the application and if the application meets approval, the chief of police or his designee shall issue a permit upon payment of a permit fee in the sum of $10.00. (Ord. 690 § 4, 1990)
5.32.050 Prohibitions at banquets.
A. Upon the obtaining of a permit, the permittee shall be responsible to ensure that the banquet is conducted in a reasonable and safe manner. In addition, the following prohibitions shall apply to any banquet:
1. The security officer approved for the banquet shall be required to be on the banquet premises at all times and shall not be a participant in the banquet festivities;
2. The permit shall comply with all laws of the state, including the laws and regulations of the Washington State Liquor Control Board. No alcohol shall be served to a person under the age of 21 years, and no alcohol shall be served to any person under the influence of alcohol or other drugs;
3. No controlled substances shall be permitted in or about the banquet premises, and no firearms shall be permitted in or about the banquet premises;
4. Dancing and other banquet activities shall be permitted as long as the same is conducted in a safe and reasonable manner; provided, however, no nude or lewd dancing shall be permitted at any banquet.
B. It is unlawful for any person to violate any of the prohibitions described in this section. Each violation occurring may be considered a separate offense subject to the penalty provisions set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 690 § 5, 1990)
5.32.060 Violation – Penalty.
Any person found to be in violation of any provision of this chapter shall have his or her banquet permit immediately revoked and the conduct of the banquet terminated. In addition, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined in an amount of not more than $500.00 for each violation, or be incarcerated for not more than 30 days or both such fine and incarceration. (Ord. 690 § 6, 1990)