Wichita City Council members have given unanimous approval to licensing requirements and regulations for party buses and other entertainment vehicles.
Wichita Police Captain Travis Rakestraw told the council at its meeting Tuesday that there are state regulations for commercial passenger vehicles, but they don’t cover how a vehicle is being used. He said there have been incidents involving shootings, fights, underage drinking and disorderly conduct on some party buses. He presented an ordinance that creates a license to conduct business as an entertainment transportation vehicle.
Rakestraw said the law applies only to buses that operate in the city, and it does not apply to buses used for schools, church, daycare, or companies that offer statewide tours. The regulations will not apply to taxis or limousines.
The party bus regulations call for passengers under 17 to be accompanied by an adult. It bans the use of alcohol on buses after 2:30 a.m., and it bans consumption after midnight if there are passengers under the age of 21. The ordinance also creates a system in which the business license can be suspended or revoked if there are violations.
The law calls for a licensing fee of $100 per year. About seven party bus operators are known to exist in Wichita.
