The Roanoke Times | File April

A Blacksburg ordinance that regulates teen nightclubs comes after fights and other misbehavior among teens occurred at Oge-Chi's on Draper Avenue. Jason Williams, general manager at the club, said last week that the decision had been made to end teen night parties at the club in advance of the council's vote on the ordinance.

The council unanimously approved the ordinance, with no comment, at its meeting Tuesday night that requires a permit for any commercial entity to hold "teen night" events or operate a teen nightclub in town. The ordinance is effective immediately.

The regulations come on the heels of fights and disorderly behavior during teen nights at a downtown club that resulted in police response.

The ordinance bans the operation of teen night events or teen nightclubs within 500 feet of any business that sells alcohol and requires teen nightclubs to hire at least one security guard or off-duty law enforcement officer for every 100 patrons, or a portion thereof, in attendance.

Blacksburg High School students Justin Pennington, 17, and Amy Marion, 18, who attended Tuesday's council meeting as part of a government class assignment, said they see the council's decision as an effort to create a safer environment for teen events.

"Obviously, a bit more safety wouldn't be a bad thing," said Pennington, a senior.

Marion, also a senior, added, "I don't see any harm in doing it."

Town Attorney Larry Spencer has said the ordinance is not intended to absolutely stop teen nights, but it is meant to reduce the exposure of anyone 13 to 18 years old to adult patrons of bars and nightclubs.

The ordinance states that no one 19 or older, except for employees, can enter a teen nightclub. Also, no one younger than 13 will be permitted.

The ordinance does not regulate teen dances sponsored by religious, governmental, charitable or educational organizations.

The ordinance comes after fights and other misbehavior among teens occurred at Oge-Chi's on Draper Avenue. Jason Williams, general manager at the club, said last week that the decision had been made to end teen night parties at the club in advance of the council's vote on the ordinance.

Also in Tuesday's meeting, the council discussed the recommended $56 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Town Manager Marc Verniel said a goal is to maintain current services, but some cost-saving measures have been recommended, including the reduction of brush collection from once a month to twice a year, which is expected to save the town $117,000. Also, the town calendar printed each year at a cost of $16,000 and offered to residents for free has been cut entirely.

The recommended budget also includes an increase in parking fines from $15 to $25, which will generate an additional $60,000 beginning in July.

The council plans to review the budget again during a work session at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the police department training room, 200 Clay St. in Blacksburg.