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Council reviews code changes to allow beer and wine at fenced special events in Reflection Plaza
Summary
City staff presented a draft ordinance to allow beer and wine at permitted, insured special events in Reflection Plaza and other specified locations; staff recommended passing the ordinance for publication, and a council member moved to pass and post the ordinance, with police and insurance conditions applied on a case-by-case basis.
City staff presented a draft ordinance to the Washougal City Council proposing limited changes to the municipal code to allow beer and wine at permitted, insured special events in locations where the code previously prohibited alcohol, including Reflection Plaza.
Staff told the council the ordinance was workshopped two weeks earlier and that, after additional review, they identified multiple code sections requiring amendment. The intent, staff said, is to allow event organizers to include beer and wine as part of a special-event permit when they meet the city’s conditions, which would include higher insurance limits and case-by-case department review.
“We received several applications…where they wanted to have beer and wine at their event,” a staff member told the council, and the ordinance would permit such uses under a special-event permit and likely “increased insurances.” The staff member recommended that the council pass, post and publish the ordinance in the usual manner.
A council member moved to pass, post and publish the ordinance. During discussion, another council member asked whether the police chief had concerns; staff replied that special-event applications are routed to police, fire and public works and that each department provides conditions of approval as needed. Staff also emphasized state requirements for fencing and barricading as applicable to licensed events.
Council members reported public confusion during outreach; staff and the council clarified that the amendment would not open all parks to alcohol use but would permit fenced, licensed beer-and-wine gardens at approved special events under conditions set by the city and state licensing authorities.
Outcome: a council member moved to pass and post the ordinance; the transcript includes the motion but does not record a final roll-call vote in the provided excerpt.
Ending: Staff said the city would continue to require department reviews and appropriate insurance and state licensing conditions for any special-event alcohol permits.
