New law could allow alcohol consumption at mass gatherings at city parks - Columbia Daily Herald
As the local brewery, taproom and distillery businesses continue to expand within the county, the city is looking to adopt a new law to serve alcohol at events at Riverwalk Park.
Columbia City Council adopted the first of two readings regarding the new law Thursday during its December regular meeting after a 6-1 vote, with Ward 1 Council member DaVena Hardison casting the only opposing vote.
The ordinance, if approved in its second and final reading in January, would only allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages at Riverwalk Park, which Ward 5 Councilman Danny Coleman said was due to the park's proximity to the downtown square.
"We wanted to start with Riverwalk Park because it's so close to the square, and would drive a lot of the downtown traffic out there during events like Oktoberfest," Coleman told The Daily Herald.
The ordinance would also only allow alcohol to be served in the portion of the park located south of Riverside Drive. It would also only be allowed following a complete and approved mass gathering event plan, which includes approval by the city's Beer Board.
Asgard Brewing Co. & Taproom founder Dr. Stephen Porter, who championed the new ordinance, said he couldn't be happier with the council's decision, and that it's something he envisioned would happen given the rise in brewery businesses and major events.
Part of the ordinance's purpose and approval process, Porter said, is for it to be carefully monitored and maintained to uphold safety and not be intrusive to the nearby Riverside neighborhood.
"This is supposed to be selected events that are organized, controlled and safe for the general population," Porter said. "We don't want to be intrusive to the neighborhood, and so there would need to be parking control, mass gathering permits and to work with all of the city ordinances. But this is a huge deal for Oktoberfest, or any other festivals that we have."
The purpose of these gatherings, he said, is that not only are beer festivals traditionally held in park spaces in other cities, but would be a way of expanding their ability for fundraising.
"My vision is to have craft distilleries, craft beer, craft wine and craft food festivals. That would be ideal, because for years they had craft festivals at Chickasaw Trace, and I want to have those crafts, the whiskey, wine, beer and food in this park two or three times a year to really showcase the quality of locally-made products in this general area," Porter said.
"Events like these not only raise money, but raise the value of the neighborhood, and it's a really big deal for us."
The council will revisit the ordinance for its second reading during its January round of meetings, where it will go before a final vote of approval.
source: https://www.columbiadailyherald.com/story/news/2021/12/11/new-law-could-allow-alcohol-consumption-mass-gatherings-city-parks/6417409001/
Your content is great. However, if any of the content contained herein violates any rights of yours, including those of copyright, please contact us immediately by e-mail at media[@]kissrpr.com.