JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM
Tailgaters set up shop in the Aloha Stadium parking lot prior to last month's UH football game against Boise State. Many tailgaters are unhappy about the pending ban against alcohol, citing that it is part of the culture and identity associated with watching live sports.
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Public hearing wanted on ban
A small business board looks at a proposal outlawing alcohol during tailgating
THE STATE'S Small Business Regulatory Review Board voted to ask the governor to hold a public hearing on a proposal to ban alcohol during tailgating at regular-season University of Hawaii-Manoa football games.
The board, which reviews rules and laws and makes recommendations on ways to reduce the impact on small businesses, did not take a position on whether the rule change will affect small businesses.
Some board members spoke out in favor of the alcohol ban.
"I think it's in line with what should happen," said Maui board member Dorvin Leis. "That's where all the problems come in. ... We have to eliminate it (drinking) in the parking lot."
Kauai member Jeanette Otsuka Chang noted, "It really doesn't have an impact on small business."
Other members noted that Centerplate, the stadium vendor, is a big business that would not fall under the board's purview, and that the rule change does not affect alcohol sales inside the stadium.
The Stadium Authority is proposing rule changes to ban alcohol in the Aloha Stadium parking lot during regular-season UH games, but alcohol would continue to be sold inside the stadium. The rules were sent to the governor's office for review, and a public hearing could be held next month.
At a meeting last month, the stadium authority's attorney noted that the proposed rule change does not directly affect small businesses because alcohol is not sold in the parking lot.
However, businesses at the Stadium Mall, across the street from the stadium, said they see a significant boost in business in sales of alcohol and pupus for tailgate parties on football Saturdays.
Small business board chairwoman Lynne Woods noted testimony from the authority's public hearing can be sent to the board, which will have another chance to review the rule change.