The San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD) is enforcing safety enhancement zones (SEZ) starting Friday, Oct. 24 and will enforce them over the next two weekends.
The first period starts Friday, Oct. 24 at midnight and will end Monday at 7:00 p.m. The second period will begin Thursday, Oct. 30 at midnight and will end on Monday Nov. 3 at 7:00 a.m according to Municipal Code 9.22.040.
Fines for noise, unruly gatherings, open containers and public urination will be doubled and will range from $700 to $1000. During the SEZ periods, arrests may be given out to those who are driving under the influence, drunk in public and for minors in possession according to the city website.
San Luis Obispo started having a two-weekend double-fine period last year. The zone’s expansion was adopted several years ago due to an increase in unsafe behavior according to Christine Wallace, SLOPD public affairs manager.
Cal Poly is providing safety resources for the students who plan to celebrate such as Mustang Safe, Mustang Shuttle service and safety walks from Mustang Patrol, according to an email sent out by Joy Pederson, Dean of Students.
Wallace reiterates safety as their main concern for these upcoming weekends.
“If going out to celebrate, make good choices, stay in groups,” Wallace said. “Call 911 immediately if somebody is showing signs of overintoxication.”
These safety zones are also in effect for the weekend of St. Patrick’s day and Cal Poly move-in according to Municipal Code 9.22.040.