City May Prohibit Parties With Admission Fees

The City Council Monday is scheduled to consider prohibiting residents from charging admission to neighborhood parties.

Police Chief Richard M. Tefank is recommending that the city make charging admission a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000.

At what are typically known as “flyer parties,” people are encouraged to come and drink as much as they want for a set admission price. The name derives from their being advertised with flyers handed out at schools, supermarkets and other public places.

“In the past, when these situations have come to our attention . . . we had to wait until a violation of the law occurred,” Tefank said.

Several cities have considered the restrictions after parties have erupted in violence. Last year, a Cypress man was shot at an admission party held on Flamingo Drive after an argument among party-goers. A similar incident in Yorba Linda resulted in the death of a Placentia man. In that case, hundreds of teen-agers came to the party, which was advertised at a local high school.

Tefank said police have not seen a huge increase of such parties in the city, but “they come to our attention periodically.”

In approved, such parties would violate the city’s zoning code, because the advertising would make them commercial enterprises, which is allowable only in commercial areas.

The public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the council chambers, 6650 Beach Blvd.