An ordinance designed to break up unruly parties could pose problems that spill onto Court Street during Halloween festivities, said a representative from the Clean and Safe Halloween Committee.
Two representatives from the committee addressed Athens City Council during yesterday's meeting to answer questions about the annual block party and to raise concerns about the summer's party ordinance. The ordinance allows police to shut down out-of-control parties and charge those who don't leave the party with nuisance violations.
If house parties are shut down on Halloween, more revelers could venture uptown and cause problems, said Jonathan Holmberg, chairman of the committee.
We're just concerned with shutting down parties and having 700 angry students uptown
he said.
Holmberg also said his committee was working to make the festival more profitable and friendly for Athens residents by hosting events during the afternoon and offering uptown alternatives.
In the future the festival could be profitable enough that the city could pay the committee to host, he said.
Holmberg added that last year's beer garden was an example of finding ways to make the festival more profitable by enticing out-of-town guests to spend money in Athens.
Council members praised the committee for its efforts with the festival.
I really do see steps toward making it a festival atmosphere instead of an out-of-control party atmosphere said Councilman Jim Sands, D-at Large.
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Jessica Holbrook
