Teen Club Ordinance Approved

In an effort to keep teens safe, the Henry County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance regulating teen gatherings with certain guidelines and zoning conditions in interest of public safety following a 60-day moratorium on license applications, business permits and related requests regarding non-residential teen clubs, teen dance halls and youth activity centers. The action came at the April 3rd regular meeting.

Prior to this ordinance, the Henry County Code of Ordinances did not provide regulations regarding the use of non-residential property for teen gatherings, functions or parties, although it has become apparent to officials that there is a desire by individuals and companies to operate and utilize non-residential properties within unincorporated Henry County for such uses.
 
According to Planning and Zoning Director, Cheri Hobson-Matthews, the ordinance places restrictions on who may apply for a license or permit, and all applicants, caterers, promoters and everyone involved must pass a criminal background check. The ordinance also sets insurance and security personnel requirements and limits where such clubs and parties may be held, by establishing a minimum distance of 500 feet from schools, churches and establishments where alcohol is sold and other teen events. A license review board will also be established to address any standing issues and a license fee of $500 is required and needs to be renewed annually.

“We have included that at least two adults be present for the first 50 people and over that at least one additional adult. We even go into regulating the hours of operation,” said Hobson-Matthews.

While researching the ordinance, she learned that many local jurisdictions simply don’t allow teen clubs and parties at all.  Staff looked at ordinances in the city of Atlanta as well as the city of Baton Rouge, LA while writing this ordinance.

The ordinance came on the heels of a public hearing in which Henry County Police Chief Keith Nichols recounted several incidences of teen club gatherings where illegal activity, such as drug use occurred, as well as recalled a teen gathering in Stockbridge where two teenage girls were shot and killed.

“We had two incidents in the last six or seven months where a local warehouse “bounce and play” type business was doubling on the weekends by having parties, and there was a party in October that became out of control with illegal drug and alcohol use,” said Nichols.

Officials were particularly concerned because this happened even though security guards were present.  Also alarming was the fact that the facility was filled beyond capacity, and the fire exits were blocked or locked, creating a very dangerous situation.

“Kids need a place to go, and there are a lot of kids out there that are good kids.  We want to help facilitate keeping these environments safe for them, and that’s why we came up with these recommendations in this ordinance,” explained Nichols.

The ordinance does not pertain to church, non-profit, school or county functions.  To view the ordinance in its entirety, please visit www.hcpz.org.

	Follow Henry County Goverment on Twitter.
	Subscribe to Henry County Government RSS feeds.