Curious Regulations

Did you know that you’re not allowed to roller skate on a city street? Or ride in your toy car, or on your sled or skateboard on a city street? You are, however, allowed to cross the street on your skates or on your sled, as long as you stay in the crosswalk. Sounds silly? I suppose it made sense at the time it was enacted. We have lots of rules and regulations that may not make much sense but probably served a purpose once upon a time and may at some time still serve a purpose.

Did you know that you have to have a permit for your jukebox? Every year about this time, if you have a jukebox in a commercial establishment or a private club, you should get a letter from the city, telling you it’s time to pay for your permit for another year. What’s that you say? You have a jukebox and you’ve never heard of this before? Please call Nancy at the Mayor’s office at 330-821-3110 and she’ll make sure you get a letter. Now, don’t try to hide from us. Someone will turn you in for sure!

Did you know that you are not allowed to give someone a gift of marijuana? If you do, you’re guilty of trafficking in marijuana. Ah, duh.

Did you know you’re not allowed to swim or bathe in the Mahoning River? If you violate this section of the Alliance Codified Ordinance 521.12 (a), you are guilty of a minor misdemeanor. You may also smell quite a lot like a fish.

Did you know you’re not allowed to erect an electric fence in the city? Yes, yes, it is mighty tempting to keep those pesky neighbor kids and dogs away, but you might hurt someone and you might get arrested, so don’t do it. You also aren’t allowed to have a barbed wire fence adjacent to any street or sidewalk. You can, however, put three strands of barbed wire on top of your fence as long as that fence is seventy-two inches off the ground.

Did you know that any employee, officer or agent of the library, museum, or archival institution can detain you in a reasonable manner for a reasonable length of time if they suspect you have moved, defaced, damaged, destroyed or tampered with their property? Does this mean that all of us with overdue library books can be arrested by the librarian?

Did you know that you are not allowed to exhibit any kind of public show, theatrical or other exhibition, of any kind, for money or other reward in any manner, without first having obtained a license? Now, some of you may want to reconsider some of your Saturday night behavior. You may be violating this law.

Did you know that in order to operate a junkyard within the city limits, you have to have a junk shop license? You’re also supposed to have your license renewed each year. You are also supposed to have your inventory up to date and a list of it readily accessible on site. You are also not allowed to purchase inventory from a drunkard or a known thief. It doesn’t say in the ordinance who determines if they are drunk or look like a thief.

If you have any questions on a rule or regulation, give us a call at the Mayor’s office at 330-821-3110 and we’ll try to figure it out with you.