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Council approves one-day open-container waiver for Kate Square Park event on June 7
Summary
The council granted a waiver of the open-container rule for We Did It Planet LLC's Kate Square Park event on June 7 (11 a.m.–6 p.m.) but withheld approval for a second requested August 9 date pending broader policy work on alcohol in parks.
The Hammond City Council on May 27 approved an open-container waiver for We Did It Planet LLC's "Planet in the Park" event at Kate Square Park on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., after limiting the original request that also included an Aug. 9 date.
Organizer Alec Griffith told the council the event has been held previously and is family-friendly, ID-checked and staffed by licensed bartenders. "In the past, I think we've done nothing to promote any type of immoral acts or promote underage drinking," Griffith said, noting the event provides food and controlled, licensed alcohol service.
Residents expressed mixed views: some supported the June event as a positive downtown draw, while others said alcohol in parks should be restricted. Tina Latino, a downtown caterer who provides licensed service at the event, said the organizers operate professionally and that vendors follow ID requirements.
Council members modified the resolution on the floor to approve June 7 only while the administration and council continue to work on a revised parks-alcohol ordinance and waiver policy. The modified motion to approve June 7 only passed with a roll-call vote of Councilman Divitario: Aye; Councilwoman Gonzales: Aye; Councilman Leon: Aye; Councilman Andrews: Abstain.
Councilmembers said they wanted to avoid upending planned community events while they worked on broader policy language. The DDD indicated it will help coordinate and co-host future events and work with the council on required safeguards and venue selection.
The approved waiver authorizes the mayor to permit open containers at the June 7 event at Kate Square Park under the city's event-permitting procedures; the August 9 request was deferred pending the outcome of the ordinance-drafting process.
