Trouble in River City
Minors rejoice and parents beware, the threat of pool halls corrupting the innocent youth of the city may yet return. At its Sept. 12 meeting, City Council unanimously abolished the prohibition of minors in public poolrooms or billiard rooms.
“The ordinance currently prohibits minors in public poolrooms and billiard rooms and punishes the minor, the establishment, and any employees for a violation with civil or criminal penalties,” the proposal states. “The ordinance is outdated, no longer addresses a need in the city, and is not being utilized by law enforcement.”
According to Vice Mayor Justin Wilson, sponsor of the legislation, overturning the ban is part of an ongoing effort by city staff to look through the city code and identify outdated pieces of legislation.
Riding for Free
Changes are underway for Alexandria’s DASH bus system that will make transit free and more accessible for some. Starting on Sept. 25, City Manager Mark Jinks said high school students with a valid student ID will be able to ride DASH buses for free. According to Jinks, it was determined that most Alexandria high schoolers ride at off-peak times, so the change will come at little cost to the bus system.
Additionally, in October, Jinks said MetroAccess passengers will be able to ride DASH at no extra cost. MetroAccess is a shared-ride, door-to-door paratransit service for people whose disability prevents them from using other bus or rail lines.
“Hopefully it will encourage those living near Metro lines to ride the DASH bus with no extra cost,” said Jinks.