Lawrence City Commission to consider requiring sexual assault intervention training for some staff at local bars

City leaders will soon consider requiring certain bar and restaurant staff to undergo sexual violence intervention training in order to get their local liquor licenses.

As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider adopting an ordinance requiring the training for on-site managers as a condition of drinking establishment licenses. In February, commissioners asked city staff to draft the ordinance following discussion with staff and owners of several local drinking establishments, which includes bars, restaurants and other businesses that serve alcohol.

The city issues a local drinking establishment license, which is required in addition to the state liquor license. City legal staff has said the city could require certain training as a condition of the local license. Whether the city would contribute funding for the training is still undetermined.