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Council directs staff to study city sale of alcohol at Copper Sky; councilmembers express split views
Summary
The City Council on May 16 directed staff to study options for allowing alcohol sales at Copper Sky, including city‑run sales and vendor models, and appointed an ad hoc study group with Vice Mayor Vitiello and Councilmember Gettle.
At the May 16 meeting Vice Mayor Vitiello and Councilmember Marsh put forward a discussion about whether the city should study the option of obtaining a license or mechanism to sell alcohol at Copper Sky for events.
Vitiello said other Arizona cities (for example, Yuma and Tempe were mentioned in the discussion) have used city‑run alcohol sales successfully at festivals and that studying the concept could identify revenue and event opportunities. Marsh said he supported a staff study to compare models — city‑operated sales, vendor‑run concessions, or public‑private partnerships — and to weigh risks and rewards.
Several councilmembers raised concerns. One councilmember said the city should avoid competing with private businesses and noted that licenses are available to vendors who already serve events at Copper Sky. Councilmember Manfredi said the item was a discussion to determine whether to study the idea, not an approval to proceed with sales.
City Manager Rick Horst said staff would include public safety, risk, and recreation personnel in the review and suggested forming a study group that could include council members; Vice Mayor Vitiello and Councilmember Gettle agreed to serve on that group. Staff will engage local stakeholder groups and standing committees as the study is structured.
No ordinance or license was approved; the council directed staff to research options and return with findings.
