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Politics & Government

Shoreline Council to Vote on Whether to Allow Alcohol for Events in City Parks

Alcohol could be allowed in Cromwell and Richmond Beach Saltwater parks

The Shoreline City Council will decide at tonight's meeting whether to adopt Ordinance No.647 for Special Event Alcohol Use in Parks.

The meeting at Shoreline City Hall begins at 7 p.m.

According to city documents, earlier this year the Council requested that the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRSC) Board review the City’s policy regarding alcohol use in the City’s parks and facilities and consider options for expanding the number of locations where alcohol is allowed for special events with a permit.

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Currently, under Shoreline Municipal Code 8.12.500, the only City park areas or facilities where alcohol is permitted are indoors at the Richmond Highland Recreation Center and at City Hall.

With the many improvements made to the City’s park system over the past few years, more and more people are using parks and facilities for special events. By expanding the number of areas where alcohol is permitted, it is possible that the City could attract more events to Shoreline parks and increase revenue. The proposed expansion for alcohol permits is Cromwell Park and the pavilion at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. 

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The PRCS Board has discussed this issue at four separate Board meetings in February, March, June and August, 2012. While the opinion of the Board is divided, there is majority approval to recommend that Council approve the use of alcohol at small-scale events at no more than three approved locations, that a licensed server be required, and current policy limitations on occupancy and hours apply. The Board unanimously rejected the recommendation of large-scale events that exceed the current policy on occupancy limits.

Bill Clements, Chairperson of the PRCS Board, will be present tonight to discuss the PRCS Board recommendation.

The Council will also consider two study items tonight:

Transmittal of the Proposed 2013 Budget

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