Pittsburgh City Council unanimously indicated today that it wants to quadruple the fine for a first violation of the city's open container law, and to triple the fine for a second offense.

Councilman Bruce Kraus, who sponsored the legislation, said it "will send a message loud and clear . . . and hopefully reduce the number of incidents, freeing our police to concentrate on more significant issues in our city."

The proposed ordinance would boost the fine for public drinking from $50 to $200 for a first offense, and from $100 to $300 for a second offense. The fine for third and subsequent offenses would remain $500. It also would delete language in the existing law that requires that multiple offenses occur in the same 12 months in order to trigger the higher fines.

The rules already contain exceptions for permitted block parties and for drinking on property with the approval of the owner or tenant. That second loophole has allowed for tailgating revelry. Mr. Kraus' proposal wouldn't change that.

Drinking alcohol on a street or sidewalk, or on private property without the owner or tenant's consent, isn't allowed in the city.

Police Cmdr. Kathy Degler, whose zone includes Oakland, said her officers have issued at least 107 open container citations this year.

"Oakland is our highest place where this happens," she said. "There seems to be an absolute neglect of the law in Oakland with respect to the open container law.

"The quality of life of the people who live in Oakland is vastly challenged by this cavalier behavior."

Councilman William Peduto said the existing fine isn't enough of a deterrent to the small percentage of college students who get drunk and rowdy in the streets.

"Fifty bucks, you can go to the ATM and get that out," he said. "Two hundred bucks, you're probably going to have to call mom and dad."

Today's preliminary vote for the proposal was unanimous. A final vote could occur Nov. 6.