Guest commentary: Winery ordinance will affect residents

Most Placer County residents are unaware of a disaster coming their way in the form of an ill- advised winery ordinance created solely for the benefit of one industry over the welfare of citizens.

This proposed county ordinance will allow wine/beer/brandy bars, along with sales of food and merchandise, on private roads with detrimental impacts to residents.

A conservative estimate indicates that more than 50,000 citizens live on Placer County's private roads, which the residents maintain.

 Now, however, the right to their privacy and safety is threatened by an ordinance that would eliminate conditions for wine tastings, such as limiting visitors or hours.

The proposed ordinance also would allow a winery to import and sell up to 240,000 bottles a year with few of the grapes grown in Placer County. Since there are no import restrictions, Gallo or Mondavi could set up satellite wineries with 4.6 acres and an acre of grapes on a private road and sell 240,000 bottles a year.

We support agriculture, wineries and wine tasting, but wine bars should not be allowed in residential neighborhoods or along private roads. Who wants a private drive impacted with constant commercial traffic to and from wine bars as drivers make the alcoholic consumption circuit?

Wineries have schmoozed county officials to push their agenda for unrestricted import of grapes and wine, making a mockery of "Placer-grown."

Citizens must demand that (1) the county enforce the current regulations; and (2) send the ordinance back for revision, but this time include the stakeholders who will be most impacted, residents living on private roads.

Is it too much to ask to have a seat at the table to work on an ordinance that will impact our lives so dramatically?

Call your supervisor immediately and come to the county supervisors' hearing on the ordinance – 11 a.m. Tuesday at 175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn.