9-10-15 fdl council approves pedal pub ordinance

Despite opposition from health care organizations the Fond du lac city council has voted in favor of an ordinance that would allow pedal pubs in the city.  The council voted four to three with councilmembers Giles, Kolstad and Foster voting against.  Several health care groups had voice opposition, expressing concern that Fond du Lac has a higher binge drinking rate than the statewide average and that the ordinance sends the wrong message to young people that drinking is okay.  Councilmember Catherine Block says its ridiculous to single out pedal pubs.  “I think they’re valid concerns.  I think they’re overblown limited to pedal pubs,”  Block told WFDL news.   Block says state law already allows pedal pubs and the city was approached by the owner of Fat Joe’s expressing an interest.  Councilmember Greg Giles says the council shouldn’t rush into approving an ordinance just because someone may be interested in starting a pedal pub.  Giles says he is concerned that Fond du Lac has a problem when it comes to alcohol.  “We do, if you look at the statistics Fond du Lac struggles in that regard,”  Giles said.   The ordinance allows underage persons on a quadricycle if alcohol is not served,  would try to limit customers from drinking alcohol too quickly in an effort to prevent binge drinking,  and would also attempt to discourage bar-hopping.