§ 26-6. Mass gatherings.

(a)

As used in this section the term "mass meeting" means any gathering or the prospective gathering of over 5,000 people; provided further, that nothing contained herein shall apply to mass meetings held in permanent structures dedicated to the purpose of accommodating mass gatherings.

(b)

At all gatherings of people and all prospective gatherings of people at which the attendance is expected to exceed 5,000 people, the sponsor, owner, promoter, or other person responsible for promoting or staging such gathering, shall apply for and receive a permit therefore, which application shall be made at least 90 days prior to the date scheduled for such gathering.

(c)

Before a permit is issued pursuant hereto for such gatherings all state and parish health laws, rules and regulations pertaining to sanitation, bath facilities, food services, and garbage disposal shall be fully complied with. Ingress to and egress from the site of any such gathering shall be in compliance with applicable state and parish laws.

(d)

Permits shall not be issued until all appropriate state and parish requirements have been complied with and certificates of state and parish agencies have been furnished to the parish council certifying compliance with regulations. All applicants shall publish notice of the application in the official parish journal in one edition of same and within 15 days thereafter the parish council shall conduct a public hearing to entertain any protests to such gathering.

(e)

Applicants for permits which meet the standards set forth herein shall be granted. The reason for refusal of any such permit shall be conveyed in writing to the applicant by the parish council.

(f)

Before any permit is issued, the applicant shall furnish to the parish council a bond between $5,000.00 and $100,000.00, issued by a surety company authorized to transact business in the state, which said surety bond shall guarantee full compliance with this section, with the laws of the state and which shall guarantee the payment of all expenses for the cleanup of the site on which the gathering is held as well as all damages sustained by the parish and all damages sustained by any person as a result of the activities of the mass gathering. The specific amount is to be determined by the parish council based upon the potential size and magnitude of the event sponsored. In lieu of a surety bond the applicant, with the approval of the parish council and depending on the event, may be allowed to deposit with the parish a cash deposit in the amount of $1,000.00.

(g)

Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall upon conviction be fined not more than $500.00 or be confined to the parish jail for not more than six months, or both.

(Code 1979, § 13-9; Ord. of 8-20-1976, §§ 1—7; Ord. of 6-16-1981, § 1)

State law reference

Power to license and regulate mass meetings, R.S. 40:1299.11 et seq.