Input Sought on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Sign Ordinance

Hillsborough County commissioners are considering a proposed ordinance that would require all establishments that serve alcohol to post a sign warning about the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Fetal alcohol syndrome can cause growth, mental and physical impairments that may occur in a baby when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy, according to the National Institute of Health.

Currently, businesses that serve alcohol must post a sign warning that it's unlawful to serve alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age. The administration and enforcement of the new ordinance would be delegated to the Code Enforcement Department, according to the proposed ordinance.

On Wednesday, Oct. 3, county commissioners voted to hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance. The hearing is set for Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.

Businesses that serve alcohol, including bars, pubs, liquor stores and restaurants would have 6 months after the passing of the ordinance to comply.

News of the proposed ordinance created mixed emotions among local business owners.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is something most adults should already be aware of, said Christopher Fuller, managing partner at The Gathering Place Wood-Fired Oven in Lutz.

"I think that's pretty much a given," he said. "Most citizens should already know that fact."

Even so, Fuller said changing the 16319 N. Florida Ave. restaurant's signage isn't a big deal.

"Putting up signs bothers me, because they're ugly," but changing the wording on what's required isn't a big deal. "It's not that much of an inconvenience."

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“To put up a sign is fine. I have no problem with that," agreed LuAnn Schapiro, owner of Napa Flair. "I would be upset if they were telling me that if a pregnant lady comes in and asks for a little glass of wine, I'd have to tell her it's illegal."

Napa Flair, located at 11967 Sheldon Road, is a retail wine store with a bar. Under the county ordinance, they would be required to post the fetal alcohol sign.

"Whether or not someone wants to drink a responsible amount of wine while they’re pregnant is really a personal decision," said Ken Schapiro, LuAnn's husband and co-owner of Napa Flair. "Not something the government ought to be regulating.”

Lutz, what do you think? Should establishments that sell and serve alcohol be required to post signs about fetal alcohol syndrome?

Make Your Voice Heard: A public hearing on the proposed county ordinance is set for Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. at County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd.