Rutland County college town limits gatherings following violent party
CASTLETON, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont college town has passed an order requiring residents to limit gatherings to 25 people after a house party turned violent last week.
The measure passed by the Castleton Select Board on Monday excludes religious services, bars, and restaurants. Those are still subject to current state capacity limits and guidelines.
The Rutland Herald reports Select Board Chairman Jim Leamy indicated the measure was drafted with college students in mind.
The order carries a $150 fine for the first offense, $300 for the second and $500 for the third. Residents wishing to hold gatherings in excess of 25 people may apply for a permit with the town.
James Lambert, Associate Dean of Advancement at Castleton University, said the university “fully supports” it.
“It gives Castleton police a little more oversight into what’s going on in the town,” he said.
According to a court record, at the party, one student stabbed another, and two others were stabbed while trying to break up the altercation. Officers estimated between 50 and 75 people had gathered at the house.