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Hammond council opens discussion on amending park alcohol rules; council seeks tighter waiver language
Summary
Councilman Andrews introduced an ordinance to amend city code on alcoholic beverages in city parks. Downtown stakeholders urged clarity to preserve permitted community events; councilmembers asked staff to draft tightened language for the waiver process.
Councilman Andrews introduced an ordinance May 27 to amend Hammond's code of ordinances regarding alcoholic beverages in city parks and opened a multi-stakeholder discussion about how waivers should be handled.
Andrews said he introduced the measure to address changes in behavior at some public spaces and to start a conversation about parameters for alcohol in parks. "This is a talking starting point," Andrews said, calling for clear rules that apply consistently across parks.
Michelle Kendall, director of the Hammond Downtown Development District (DDD), asked the council to clarify what problem the revision is intended to solve and warned that removing the current waiver language could affect longstanding downtown events. "We've historically received these waivers through the city council action rather than through the administration as the ordinance suggests," Kendall said, listing events such as the Hammond Farmers and Artisans Market, Hot Dog Stroll and Hammond Live.
Councilmembers and other speakers discussed two separate legal concepts: a general prohibition on alcohol in parks and an open-container waiver for a specific event, place and time. Several councilmembers and the DDD suggested the language be tightened so the administration and council could still authorize safe, community events without broadly exempting some parks. Councilwoman Gonzales and others suggested identifying specific downtown venues, such as Railroad Park or Morrison Alley, that could be handled differently.
Resident Chloe Bishop and downtown business owners said alcohol at some downtown park events is managed, family-friendly and not necessarily the cause of other enforcement concerns. At the same time, some residents objected to alcohol in parks generally and asked the council to consider stricter prohibitions.
City Attorney Andre explained that a separate open-container provision allows the council to waive the open-container rule for a particular event and that the administration handles personnel and enforcement matters. Councilmembers asked administration and the city attorney to draft clearer language addressing: which parks (or categories of parks) could be exempted; whether waivers are granted by the administration or by council action; and limits on sales versus possession.
The item was introduced for future action; Andrews asked stakeholders to submit proposed language and to meet with administration and staff so the council can consider refined options at an upcoming meeting.
