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Halloween Rioters Will Pay For Problems This Year

Posted: 10:02 pm CDT September 24, 2004Updated: 10:37 pm CDT September 24, 2004

Problem partygoers better bring extra cash if they come to Madison for Halloween.

Madison wants disorderly drunks to help pay for any problems they cause.

At Tuesday's common council meeting, downtown Alderman Mike Verveer proposed doubling and tripling fines for alcohol-related violations.

Verveer says it's time the troublemakers pay for the damage they've done.

"I think it is very important that the city taxpayers aren't left to pick up the substantial bill for Halloween weekend," said Verveer. "That instead, the troublemakers, the 1 percent of the crowd that does cause problems share the responsibility in the tremendous cost for the annual event."

Last year, rioting crowds packed State Street, shattering windows with bricks and damaging businesses and motels.

Police handed out 400 tickets and used pepper gas to disperse the crowd.

Verveer believes higher fines will not only help curb the violence but also lift the financial burden off taxpayers.

"We support raising the fines," said acting Police Chief Noble Wray. "It is a drain on police resources."

Police patrols and overtime cost taxpayers more than $100,000 last year.

City officials say higher fines could bring in triple that amount.

In order to raise the fines by Halloween, the council must approve the proposal at the next meeting, which is two weeks away.

Verveer expects it to pass without problems.

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