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Lodi Mayor Seeks Firehouse Alcohol Ban

LODI, N.J. (CBSnewYork) - The mayor of Lodi has expressed concern about alcohol consumption in local firehouses and said he looking to ban it.

WCBS 880's Jim Smith On The Story

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Mayor Marc Shrieks said he fears an insurance issue.

Monica, a Lodi resident, said firefighters and booze should not be mixed.

"Not so good. I don't need a fire going out and then the firemen don't come," she told WCBS 880 reporter Jim Smith.

But others, like Steve and Geena, say the mayor should back off.

"They volunteer. They risk their life. I think that should be something that should be done internally through the fire department," Steve told Smith.

"They do their job and they deserve to have fun once in a while," Geena said. "As long as it don't get out of control, fine."

The fire chief said sometimes members will have a beer after battling a blaze, but said the restriction could affect the functions hosted at firehouses.

The mayor said twelve events would be allowed per year with approval required 45 days in advance.

A public hearing and vote is scheduled September 18.

Do you think alcohol should be banned from the firehouses in Lodi? Sound off in the comments section below.

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