
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 4, 1990                   TAG: 9003042079
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                 LENGTH: Short

LAWMAKERS ASSAIL ALCOHOL CUTOFF BILL

Two black members of the Virginia Senate say a bill allowing a city manager to cut off alcohol sales during a riot would send a message to black fraternities that they are unwelcome in the resort city.

Sens. Robert Scott and Yvonne Miller are unhappy with the legislation, which could be used during a disaster such as the riots in Virginia Beach over Labor Day last year.

About 100,000 black college students gathered in the resort city last year for a celebration known as Greekfest. More than 100 businesses were looted and an estimated $1.4 million in damages was caused during the riot, in which black youths clashed with city police in riot gear.

The Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services on Friday approved the bill, which was introduced by Del. Glenn McClanan, D-Virginia Beach.

Scott, D-Newport News and the Senate's second black member, called the bill "a gratuitous insult" to people planning to return to the beach Labor Day. "This bill clearly suggests that these people are not wanted."

Miller, D-Norfolk, said the bill would undermine city tourism and blemish the state's "Virginia is for Lovers" image.

"This bill is sending a message that Virginia is only for, in quotes, acceptable people," she said.

The committee voted 9-6 to approve the bill, which almost was killed two weeks ago.

by CNB