Summary
The City has found that there are certain special events where local groups or event hosts wish to offer the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages as a part of the event. Special events held on private property may obtain a temporary beverage license for the sale of alcoholic beverages. Currently, any special event held at a City-owned property or right-of-way is prohibited from offering alcoholic beverages for sale or consumption, with the exception of events held at the Swick House. This City-owned facility is exempt from the prohibition against the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverage on municipally owned properties per Chapter 4 of the City of Alachua Code of Ordinances. Other than this exception, the City’s current regulations would not allow the sale or consumption of alcohol for an event held on other City property or right-of-ways.
The proposed amendments to Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances would permit alcoholic beverages to be sold, served, and delivered for individual personal consumption within public right-of-ways as part of special events, and would require such events to obtain a Special Event Permit in accordance with Section 4.6 of the City’s Land Development Regulations (LDRs). These types of events could include beer and wine tastings as part of a downtown event, music festivals, etc. Such events could further economic development in the City by attracting more visitors to patron local businesses. By requiring a Special Event Permit, the City can ensure adequate regulation to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and address impacts related to a proposed event, such as traffic flow and control, vehicular and pedestrian safety, noise, lighting, and effect on surrounding properties. In addition to permitting alcoholic beverages within public right-of-ways during special events, the proposed amendments would permit alcoholic beverages to be sold, served, and delivered at two additional City-owned facilities (in addition to the Swick House, as presently permitted): Theatre Park and the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center. Events at these facilities which may desire to sell and/or serve alcoholic beverages could include weddings, fundraising events, etc.
A companion amendment to Section 4.6, Special Events, of the LDRs is proposed to effectuate the revisions to Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances. The companion amendment would provide a regulatory framework and process for special events where alcoholic beverages are sold, served, and delivered. This companion amendment would be enacted by Ordinance 18-07, also on tonight’s meeting agenda for first reading.
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