A resolution from the policy meeting concerning the permissible sale and use of alcohol at events was discussed at the August Council meeting.
The Morrisville Borough Council discussed the current alcohol ordinance for Williamson Park events at its July meeting, which resolved that a policy meeting would discuss the issue, followed by a discussion in August of the findings and results.
Council President Helen Hlahol, at the August meeting, reminded the community that there is a very strict ordinance regarding the permits of alcohol during events, in response to comments that she banned alcohol at certain events. According to her, the comments about one person stopping the alcohol is untrue, and the fees and items in the ordinance were not being met, so the alcohol could not be served.
Morrisville Borough appears to be the only municipality in the area that permits alcohol on park grounds. Jim Dillon, interim borough manager, and Adam Flager, borough solicitor, expressed reservations about the current alcohol ordinance.
Flager said other issues come with the permission of alcohol such as extra police are needed as well as additional costs incurred by the borough. “We were never crazy about it and still aren’t crazy about it.”
Dillon then added, “I don’t think you should have alcohol on public property. I don’t think you should permit it. I don’t think any county or any municipality that I’m aware of allows it to be on public property. I think potential risk and insurance impact so I would strongly recommend that you do not permit alcohol on your public property.”
Williamson Park’s current alcohol ordinance causes confusion regarding costs, alcohol, and wait times, according to council. In accordance with the current ordinance, an application must be submitted 60 days before the event, an alcohol permit must be obtained, and fees must be paid.
It was decided at the July council meeting that the council would hold a policy meeting, perhaps with some businesses that sell beverages, and in a future council meeting, discuss their findings and the outcome.
In August, the council presented their findings and voted to have the solicitor draft an ordinance rescinding the current ordinance allowing alcohol at park events. Officials said the vote to rescind could come at the Septembers meeting. Plans to advertise the ordinance change and hold a public meeting on the potential change at last check were still in the works.
Recent Comments