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Edinburg proposal would allow licensed alcohol sales at city activity center; residents raise safety concerns
Summary
Council heard a public hearing and moved to approve a permit structure allowing licensed alcohol sales at the city activity center when rented for private events; supporters said licensed bartenders and police oversight will improve safety, while residents warned of underage drinking and proximity to youth activities.
Edinburg — The City Council on Wednesday heard public comment and staff presentations on a request to allow controlled alcohol service at the Palm Drive activity center when the venue is rented for private events.
Letileija, director of library and cultural arts, told council the activity center has been used for private events for more than 40 years and that the Edinburg Arts Foundation seeks to manage a permit that would require TABC-licensed bartenders and safeguards at rented events. "We're gonna have better control of the situation," she said, adding that 100% of proceeds overseen by the Foundation would support arts and cultural programs.
Agustín Lozano, treasurer of the Edinburg Arts Foundation, said the Foundation will follow the law and control service as part of fundraising. Staff and council members clarified that under current practice private events can be BYOB and that there is no routine age verification when residents bring alcohol to private rentals.
During public comment, Miss McCarty objected to allowing alcohol on city property close to youth activities and sporting events, saying, "this looks bad on a city property," and warning about underage drinking and drunk-driving risks observed in neighboring communities. Council members pressed for specifics about oversight; staff and presenters said licensed bartenders, ID checks and police presence at events would be required under the proposed permit.
The council did not announce additional conditions in the hearing itself; the item was presented and discussed as part of the public hearing for items 7a–7e. Supporters framed the change as a way to improve safety and generate revenue for community arts programs; opponents emphasized neighborhood proximity to parks, pools and school events and urged caution.
The matter was advanced as part of the broader public-hearing motion on items 7a–7e that the council approved during the meeting. The council indicated it expects staff to ensure TABC compliance and event controls if the permit proceeds to implementation.
