A committee will be assembled to offer recommendations to the Boone County Fiscal Court regarding potential permitted alcohol sales in parks, officials said.
During Tuesday’s Court session Boone County District 3 Commissioner Jesse Brewer broached the permitted alcohol sales topic under the old business portion of the meeting agenda.
“Some time ago we had spoken about exploring permitted alcohol sales in our parks for special events,” Brewer said. “I would like to, with the consent of the Court, have an ordinance drafted for us to review.”
Alcohol sales are not currently allowed in any county parks.
Potential permitted alcohol sales ordinance parameters include an application fee; sales being restricted to a certain area; insurance and having law enforcement personnel on site, according to county research.
“I think the big components are the sheriff’s deputy detail and the restricted area,” Brewer said. “Not all of our parks can host a big event. Maybe we look at exempting and limiting this to certain parks that can hold events instead of just having it at any park.”
Boone County Administrator Matthew Webster suggested asking parks personnel and law enforcement for their thoughts.
“We can convene a group, bring back a report to the Court before we actually draft an ordinance, and get some feedback,” Webster said. “If you like the direction we are hitting, then we can move forward with an ordinance update.”
Judge/Executive Gary W. Moore said creating a committee or group to study the idea was a good idea.
“I like that a lot,” Moore said. “That way we’re not getting to the formality of an ordinance too quick.”
If Boone County decides to move forward from the report to create a draft ordinance, residents would have an opportunity to offer feedback, Moore said.
“Once an ordinance is on an agenda, there has to be two readings,” Moore said. “You would have an opportunity to speak to the Court about your support or opposition to the ordinance. There will be a public process.”