Beer board approves Franklin Tomorrow permit for Bicentennial Park event after guidance on how to delineate alcohol area

The Franklin City Beer Board voted unanimously to approve Franklin Tomorrow Inc.’s request to serve beer and wine at a ticketed summer celebration in the Bicentennial Park Pavilion on July 17, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The board’s action followed a presentation from Mindy Tate, managing agent for the event and chief executive officer of Franklin Tomorrow, and a discussion with city staff about how to meet a state requirement that alcohol consumption be limited to a clearly delineated area. The board voted yes: Alderman Barnhill, Alderman Caesar and the chair.

City staff, citing the state alcoholic beverage authority (TABC) and the city’s long-standing practice, told the board that events where alcohol is sold or served must define a designated area in which patrons may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. Blake (city staff) said the state law requires a designated area but does not specify a single method of delineation. “The state law refers to it as… a designated area, and you may allow the purchasers and consumers of alcoholic beverages or beer within the establishment or within that designated area to consume their alcoholic beverages or beer anywhere within such designated area,” Blake said.

Parks Director Lisa Clayton told the board the city has used several approaches in the past — retractable stanchions, sandwich boards, planters and bike racks — and does not require a specific style of fencing. “We don’t put up all these bike racks around that event and cage anyone in. We actually sign it on our tent. We sign it, away from the tent to make sure that you [have] no alcoholic beverages past a certain point,” Clayton said, adding the street department supports set-up and signage for ticketed events.

Mindy Tate described Franklin Tomorrow’s plan for the pavilion, saying licensed bartenders and caterer Events by Suzette will staff service and that organizers will place signage reading “no alcohol beyond this point.” Tate said the group would install temporary flag ropes and signage in open areas that lack railings, provide a porta-potty trailer on the western parking area, and carry $1 million liability insurance naming the city and vendors. “We are going to be compliant,” Tate said.

An attendee identified herself as a Franklin Tomorrow board member and urged flexibility, saying the organization wanted patrons to be able to use the plaza and amphitheater steps rather than be “sequestered within one fenced area.” Alderman Blanton expressed a similar view, saying the board should not overcomplicate use of the new park and that security and a 21-and-up ticket restriction would reduce risk.

Board members asked staff to provide latitude to try different delineation methods while the city gains experience using Bicentennial Park for events. City staff said they would develop recommended approaches and take pictures of possible set-ups to guide future applicants.

Votes at a glance

• Franklin Tomorrow Inc., dba Franklin Tomorrow — summer celebration, Bicentennial Park Pavilion, July 17, 2025, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.: Approved (3–0). Alderman Barnhill — yes; Alderman Caesar — yes; Chair — yes. • Approval of agenda and approval of minutes (June 10, 2025): Each approved by roll call (Alderman Barnhill — yes; Alderman Caesar — yes; Chair — yes).

The board signaled it will rely on parks and events staff to develop practical, site-specific delineation plans for future events at Bicentennial Park and other city facilities.