Wasatch County Parks and Rec Board OKs beer gardens for Skijoring event, requests ordinance update
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Summary
The Parks and Recreation board granted conditional approval for on‑site beer gardens at the Feb. 14–15 Skijoring event, contingent on local DBAC and Heber City permits, and directed staff to update county ordinance 16.09 to explicitly authorize outdoor temporary beer‑garden approvals.
Wasatch County Parks and Recreation’s governing board voted Jan. 14 to allow organizers of the Feb. 14–15 Skijoring event to proceed with plans for fenced, ticketed beer‑garden areas, provided the organizers obtain required DBAC and Heber City approvals.
County staff introduced the request as a response to tailgating and parking‑lot issues at recent events and described the beer‑garden approach as a way to bring activity into controlled, fenced areas. “We’re not asking for anything more than isolated events that are not under our control,” a staff member said, explaining the county is seeking event‑specific approvals for outdoor alcohol service.
Chris, a representative of Top Shelf, the vendor proposed to manage alcohol service, explained the company’s experience running licensed beverage operations at large events and said all servers are TIP‑certified. He described beer gardens as fenced areas with entry checks and wristbands, adding that temporary permits generally limit service to one drink per person at a time. Brian, an event representative, said organizers plan three separate beer‑garden locations—north stadium seating, south bleachers and a fenced VIP area—each tied to specific ticket tiers and separate entrances.
Board members discussed how the county’s existing policy (codified in ordinance 16.09) had authorized staff authority for indoor arena beer gardens and that outdoor events historically required council action. Several members urged updating the ordinance so staff and applicants have clearer guidance about outdoor, event‑specific approvals. The board moved and approved a motion to (1) authorize Ski Touring to move forward with the event contingent on DBAC and Heber City approvals, and (2) direct staff to update ordinance 16.09 to include outdoor events and clarify the approval path.
The board and vendor emphasized coordination with local law enforcement and additional conditions the county may require in the permit application, including a drawn map showing the footprint and entrances of each beer‑garden area, insurance and licensing carried by the vendor, and compliance with DBAC/Heber City procedures. Staff noted the county needed to be within the 30‑day permit application window for DBAC to consider temporary permits.
The motion passed by voice vote. Board members said the county’s approval simply allows organizers to proceed with local permitting and does not substitute for other jurisdictional approvals. The meeting ended after the board confirmed the event dates and restated that a site map and detailed permit materials should accompany any formal application.
