Cabarrus commissioners approve ordinance allowing alcohol sales at county-sponsored events

The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners voted 3-1 to approve an ordinance amendment that will permit the sale of alcohol at county-sponsored events by county-approved vendors in county-approved areas, with local law enforcement on site.

The change, presented by Active Living and Parks staff, does not allow the general public to consume alcohol at private facility reservations. Ian Sweeney, an Active Living and Parks staff member, told commissioners the amendment was drafted specifically to enable a planned signature fall event and said, “I think it’s important to distinguish that this is not for the general public to have recreational alcohol use at their reservations.”

The board heard that the department set a modest revenue goal of about $50,000 from vendor spaces and sponsorships to help size the event. Sweeney said the event and alcohol sales would follow safety recommendations, including opening a second entrance at Frankliss Park before the activity begins. The presentation identified law enforcement presence and use of county-approved vendors and a county-approved area as required conditions.

Commissioner Pitt opposed the amendment, saying, “I just don’t believe county should be involved in the dispensing of alcohol, so I will be a no vote on this.” Following a motion to approve and a second, the board voted 3 in favor and 1 opposed.

The approval directs Active Living and Parks to develop the vendor-approval process and operational details for events that meet the ordinance conditions. Commissioners did not specify a timetable for implementing the vendor approvals or a formal effective date for the ordinance during the discussion recorded in the transcript.

The vote came during new business and followed questions from commissioners about safety, revenue estimates and event logistics. The board’s recorded tally on the motion was 3-1 in favor.