Summary City Code Section 4-4 currently prohibits the sale, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on all city owned property.
The City Commission approved and, together with the Community Redevelopment Agency, funded the design for and complete restoration of the Swick House facility located on the Municipal Complex. The project began October 1, 2014 and
a Certificate of Occupancy was issued on May 13, 2015.
The project has been on the public meeting agenda of the City Commission and the Downtown Redevelopment Trust Board for three years and under construction for nearly eight months. Interest in
rental availability has grown to the point that City staff has been contacted about available dates and conditions of rental agreements. One of the first questions asked by those inquiring about renting space, particularly for weddings, is if serving alcoholic beverages is permitted.
The serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages are permitted on the premises of similar privately owned facilities and those owned by the City of Gainesville and Alachua County.
Staff recommends, in order for rental of the Swick House facility to be available and accessible to all members of the community, and the general public and to maximize the return on the investment of public funds, that the delivery, but not sale, but possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages be permitted on the Swick House property when the facility is rented. The prohibition of sale, possession
and consumption of alcoholic beverages at all other time on the Swick House property and on all other City properties should remain as set forth in the City Code.
Passed on first reading by 5 - 0 vote on the 22nd day of June, 2015.
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