Council adopts ordinance allowing alcohol in city parks with manager approval, excluding Lake Jacksonville

The Jacksonville City Council on Sept. 9 approved a staff-drafted ordinance to regulate alcoholic beverages in city parks, allowing possession or consumption at park events if the city manager grants written permission and the organizer notifies the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission as required.

City staff told council the proposal was prompted by a series of community events downtown and upcoming programming at Hazel Tilton Park, including concerts and gatherings for which organizers had requested the option to include alcohol. The ordinance would not treat Lake Jacksonville as a city park for this purpose; state public-intoxication and other laws remain enforceable, staff said.

Councilman Rob Goen moved to approve the ordinance; Mayor Pro Tem Tim McCray seconded. The motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Staff said the city would set conditions in permitted events and that the manager would have authority to authorize possession or consumption at city parks when written permission is provided and TABC notification procedures are followed.