Title
ALCOHOL GUIDELINES - CITY OF LONGVIEW PARKS
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Address Quality of Place
Strengthen Economic Conditions & Create New Opportunities
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
During a Council workshop on August 15, department staff discussed the history of outside user groups in the parks, the role the department has had in the use, what other cities are doing, and plans for park event use in the future. Support for expanded use of the parks for special events and providing equal opportunities and standards for user groups both internally and externally were expressed.
With the direction provided by Council to allow for expansion of special events, the Department and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board worked together to create guidelines that would provide direction in executing the current park code LMC 13.01.190.
Park Code (LMC 13.01.190 reads - Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in public parks) states that it is unlawful for any person to consume or possess any unsealed or opened container of alcoholic beverage in a public park; provided, this prohibition shall not apply to organized groups which have secured a permit from the director and, if required, from the Washington State Liquor Control Board.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages continues to be prohibited at all City of Longview parks and other outdoor public places, unless a Special Event Permit has been awarded, permission for serving and consuming of alcohol has been granted, the event takes place within approved sites, and the subsequent conditions and requirements laid out within the guidelines are followed.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to direct staff to take Council consideration and bring back final Alcohol Guidelines for the City of Longview Parks for approval.
STAFF CONTACT:
Jennifer Wills, Parks & Recreation Director