Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Event Alcohol Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County backs temporary 'to-go' alcohol permit for event footprints, modeled on neighboring law
Summary
Commissioners supported introducing a local bill to allow participating downtown establishments to sell alcohol for consumption within designated event footprints, with permit requirements, security, bracelets and marked cups; towns and business representatives described increased revenue and shorter lines at events.
Worcester County commissioners aired and advanced a legislative proposal Jan. 20 to create a temporary "to-go" alcohol permit for the footprint of sanctioned events, allowing participating licensed establishments to sell alcoholic beverages that attendees may carry within a delimited event area.
Ivy Wells, director of economic and community development for the Town of Berlin, said Salisbury adopted a similar approach and it "was an enormous success" for restaurants and bars during events. Wells and other town representatives said the program would be tightly regulated: participating establishments would apply for permits, use designated logo cups, charge permit fees, and ensure ID-checking and wristbanding; security staff and volunteers would monitor perimeters to prevent alcohol from leaving the footprint.
Law enforcement and business representatives said the approach reduced problems caused by long beverage lines and improved economic benefit for downtown businesses. Commissioners discussed how the footprint would be defined (applicants provide a perimeter map during the event permit process), whether municipalities or nonprofit event sponsors would be the applicant, and enforcement mechanisms including bracelets, marked cups, and hired security.
The board voted unanimously to advance the proposal; the measure will go to the local liquor board and be drafted into county legislation for future public hearing and final action.
