MONROE
Should city allow alcohol sales at July 4 event?
Committee seeks to raise $25K; beer sales one of considerations for two-day bash.
RELATED: Should the city sell alcohol on the 4th of July?
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
MONROE — The Monroe Fourth of July Committee is working to finalize plans for the two-day summer bash.
This year's second annual "Light Up The Sky for the Fourth of July" event, which will take place July 4-5 at James Monroe Park on Main Street, will offer a lot more family activities, said Steve Black, committee chairman of the event.
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Get latest headlines via RSS feedsSome of the tentatively planned activities include sack races, a car show and dog agility exhibition, rides, fireworks and duck pond.
Black recently updated Monroe City Council on some of the committee's plans, which includes raising $25,000 from the event.
"We should know the budget in the next week or so. We're asking for the city's support in every area — we want financial support too," Black said.
The committee also is working with the city to offer beer sales 3 to 9 p.m. both days of the event.
Black said 16-ounce bottles of beer would be offered in a beer garden and would only be sold to adults with wristband identification. Sales would be limited per customer.
Event volunteers would reserve the right to refuse the sale of beer, he said.
Furthermore, Black told council, additional security will be located around the beer garden.
"This will allow us to give back to a local charity and have a surplus for neat year's event," Black said.
However, Monroe Vice Mayor Steve Tannreuther said he is concerned about the city offering additional security at the event.
"I want to see Chief (Greg) Homer on what the recommendation should be. I'm concerned about security," Tannreuther said.
Homer told Tannreuther and Council that "it will increase our security costs."
There also was council discussion about if there is a restriction on the deed of the city park, donated to the city, regarding alcohol consumption. Currently, no alcoholic beverages are permitted at the park.
The city's law director K. Philip Callahan recommended the city take the time and look at other cities that sell beer at special events.
"Don't rush. This is a pretty big move," Callahan said.
City Manager William Brock said the city will request copies of legislative policies from neighboring cities like Lebanon and Miamisburg on their alcohol sales during special events and how they arrange protecting their communities. Brock said the city specifically wants to know what other cities do regarding fees and providing additional services — for public works and police personnel — at these events.
Comments
By Steve Black
May 1, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Hi. I just wanted to chime in and explain a couple things:
(1) We are expanding this year’s celebration to include rides, games, and other family focused activities.
(2) The committee is responding to the community when they were asked what they would like to see at this year’s event.
(3) We are doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of all. We are limiting beer sales to ; keeping drinking inside of a beer garden area.
Steve Black Chairman, Light Up The Sky Committee
By VietVet
May 1, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
I think Monroe should offer beer on the 4th. I think the Citizens For Community Values should be contacted so that they can attend and tell us what bad people we are and how we should be conducting our lives at a family event. I get a kick out of a small mouthy group of people laying their social morals on me and eliminating my freedom of choice on Independence Day.
By Jeanne
April 30, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Can we smoke there?
By lynn
April 30, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Is alcohol allowed in the park at other times? Probably not. This is a family event and alcohol should not NEED to be provided
By Vicky
April 30, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
It’s not unreasonable to expect mature adults to attend a celebration in a public park & have a few beers in a restricted area! It’s highly unlikely that “someone will get crocked and cause a scene” on the 3 beers allowed to responsible adults! If any “drunken idiot is getting carted off in handcuffs” it will be because they came to the event in that condition, & that could happen whether or not beer is sold. Come on people - lighten up! Having a few beers is far from a crime!
By SuzeQ
April 30, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
It’s not unreasonable to expect mature adults to attend a celebration in a public park and remain sober. Unfortunately there’s always someone who will get crocked and cause a scene. This event is mainly geared toward families and parents shouldn’t have to explain why the drunken idiot is getting carted off in handcuffs.
By Amy
April 30, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Absolutely not! It’s a family event. Alcohol should not be allowed in the park as it already is not allowed. There are enough bars around if they want alcohol to get it. I certainly don’t want to be on the road later with my family in the car when they’re all going home with most likely their children in the car & them behind the wheel.
By RobL
April 30, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
What possible benefit is there to sell beer at the event? The only benefit is financial.
Beer is not allowed at other times, so the city obviously knows there are problems associated with consumption by some people.
Make available the products that are not restricted by current laws and let the community enjoy the event while staying sober.
By Paul
April 30, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
The article mentions that beer consumption is not currently permitted in the park. If that is the rule, why should this festival be granted an exception? Just so they can raise more money? Then Monroe will be faced with requests from non-profits wanting to raise money to allow beer at their events. Suppose the mayor wants to hold a family reunion in the park? Exception?
By larry b.
April 30, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
Will there be live music, will it be loud, could children’s hearing be damaged, will some be offended when some couples do a little boogie dancing. Can i smooch my girlfriend or would that conduct be detrimental to family values. I think alcohol is legal and in peoples homes at cookouts so whats the problem with sales, just be responsible.
By pacfandave
April 30, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
OF COURSE beer should be sold at the “bash.” The idea is to crack down on offenders, not limit or take away the enjoyment of responsible adults.
By Dana
April 29, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
Sarah-I just suggested that Monroe check with Middletown regarding the security aspects mentioned - “Brock said the city will request copies of legislative policies from neighboring cities like Lebanon and Miamisburg on their alcohol sales during special events and how they arrange protecting their communities. Brock said the city specifically wants to know what other cities do regarding fees and providing additional services — for public works and police personnel - at these events.”
By Sarah
April 29, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Dana The question was should the city sale alcohol. Broad Street Bash operates on private donations, the city does not contribute any funds. The money made from the alcohol sales is put aside for the following year and some of it is used to make a donation to the Parks Department. Broad Street Bash is made possible by a couple of selfless people who use their personal time all year long to organize this event in the hopes that they can provide a little more positivity in Middletown.
By Melanie
April 29, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
I think it’s ridiculous that anything and everything that should be family oriented has to involve some kind of alcohol! People will be there with there children have some drinks and then drive home with there kids after drinking.Also alot of the people who don’t want there children around such foolishness should be able to go with out worrying about it.
By Dana
April 29, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Why don’t they just ask Middletown? Beer is sold at the Broad Street Bash.