Renton police want high-alcohol drinks limited in part of downtown

Renton police are asking the Renton City Council to approve an ordinance creating an alcohol impact area.

The ordinance would create a .6 square-mile area in downtown Renton where businesses are not allowed to sell beverages with high alcohol content for consumption off the premises.

Renton Police Patrol Commander Jon Schuldt said he's noticed an increase in nuisance calls linked to public intoxication in the last two years: fights, trespassing and lewd conduct. He's been studying the problem and asked the city council to approve the ordinance, which would initially rely on voluntary compliance.

The ordinance would impact about eight or nine businesses in Renton, but Schuldt says the ordnance would create a better environment for all of downtown.

He is asking businesses in downtown Renton to voluntarily agree to stop selling beverages with high alcohol content for six months. The ordinance lists products, including Bud Ice, Colt 45, Hurricane and Four Loko.

The department plans to study the number of police calls during the voluntary ordinance. If it is found to be successful -- or if businesses fail to voluntarily comply with a temporary ordinance -- a permanent ordinance would be sought with the help of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board.

The Renton City Council will discuss the ordinance and likely vote on December 12.

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