Wisconsin town considers law to keep bartenders sober

The city of Neenah, Wis., is considering an ordinance to require bartenders to show up for work sober. It would also ban them from drinking on the job.

The Associated Press reports that the new law would hold bartenders accountable if they fail to maintain enough control over patrons served while they are intoxicated. The ordinance would prohibit bartenders from serving if they have a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or more, half the legal limit for driving. Violations could bring a fine of $90 to $300.

A City Council committee will consider the ordinance Tuesday.

At least three Wisconsin communities already regulate drinking by bartenders. Jackson, a village of 6,700 with three taverns in Washington County, enacted an ordinance that prohibits bartenders from being intoxicated. Madison also has such an ordinance. La Crosse prohibits bartenders from drinking on the job or serving while intoxicated.