GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay alderman, Randy Scannell, is proposing an ordinance that would fine bartenders and servers drinking on the job. He calls it the "Sober Server Proposal."
“We are the drunkest city in the United States,” said Scannell.
Scannell believes passing this measure into law will be a step towards changing the city's drinking culture.
"It's not socially acceptable for servers to be drinking like it is now,” said Scannell. “We’ve got to start changing that mentality.”
Several local bars we spoke with say they agree employees shouldn't be drinking while working. At Copper State Brewing Company, they already have rules against it; however, General Manager, Lee Unrath, says that decision should be made by the business.
"Overall, I'm not sure if it's an issue that the city necessarily needs to be involved with," said Unrath.
Green Bay’s Protection and Policy Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the proposal. Questions include how much the fine should be and who should pay it, the employee who violated the ordinance, the bar or both.
Unrath says although he sees the purpose behind the proposal, he does not think city control is the right action to take and makes other suggestions.
“Maybe something more along the lines of improved education in terms of responsible alcohol service, better training, better policies and procedures at local establishments,” said Unrath.
Once the proposal is crafted, it will still need to get approval from the city council.
