Tamarac approves limited alcohol sales at city‑approved events in parks after lengthy debate, 3‑2

The Tamarac City Commission voted 3–2 on June 11 to allow the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages at city‑approved special events and permitted activities in city parks, provided the event organizer obtains prior written approval from the city manager or designee and vendors meet licensing and insurance requirements.

The adopted ordinance amends Chapter 15 (Parks and Recreation), Section 15‑88, to permit alcohol in conjunction with a special event, program or permitted activity when the event organizer secures the required approvals and vendor credentials. Parks Director Melissa Petrone said the change would require vendors who serve alcohol to follow the same vendor protocols the city already uses — plus state licensing and additional insurance. "Yes, so with this change, any vendor that serves alcohol will do the same thing as any other vendor that we have with the city. We have a lot of paperwork they have to fill out, liability insurance, they have hold harmless agreements, they have auto insurance they have to provide us," Petrone told the commission.

The vote followed extended debate and several public comments. Resident Patty Lynn spoke during public participation against allowing alcohol in parks, saying, "There’s no reason to have alcohol in the parks... The liability is terrible." Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement, liability, security staffing costs, vendor licensing, the presence of children at some events, and examples from neighboring municipalities that allow alcohol at special events.

City staff and the city attorney said the city’s current protocol for special events already includes a permitting and review process; the ordinance adds explicit authority to permit alcohol at approved events and places the final approval with the city manager or designee. Staff emphasized requirements for event organizers and vendors: vendors must hold the required state temporary license (referred to in the presentation as an AB and T temporary license), provide liability insurance and hold‑harmless agreements, meet sanitation and security requirements, and coordinate with the Broward Sheriff's Office for event details when required.

Commissioners split on policy. The roll call recorded Mayor Michelle J. Gomez and Commissioner Wright voting no; Vice Mayor Daniel, Commissioner Bolton and Commissioner Patterson voted yes. Commissioner Patterson had proposed a friendly amendment to limit the language but withdrew it after staff clarified the ordinance already contemplates special‑event review; the ordinance was adopted 3–2.

What to expect: Under the new rule, alcohol will remain prohibited in parks except during city‑approved special events or permitted activities. Events that include substantial youth programming or are primarily child‑focused will be evaluated and are unlikely to be approved for alcohol sales. Vendors will be vetted for licenses and insurance; security and deputy special‑detail costs are expected to be assessed per event.