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Burleson council approves ordinance allowing alcohol sales at Chisholm Hall after heated public comment
Summary
The Burleson City Council approved an ordinance permitting alcohol sales and consumption at Chisholm Hall Sports Complex while leaving age and event restrictions to a separate policy discussion. The decision drew extensive public opposition focused on youth sports and safety concerns.
The Burleson City Council approved an ordinance on final reading authorizing the sale and consumption of alcohol at Chisholm Hall Sports Complex while reserving specific age‑ and event‑based restrictions for a later policy discussion.
Deputy City Manager Eric Oskerson, who presented the ordinance, said the measure establishes where alcohol may be sold and consumed, requires TABC‑certified staff, obligates the third‑party manager (SFC) to carry liquor‑liability insurance and lets the city suspend or revoke authorization for noncompliance. Oskerson emphasized the ordinance itself authorizes consumption on the property, while the city’s policy — which the council may amend — will determine when sales are permitted during tournaments or special events.
The ordinance drew more than a dozen public speakers. Parents and coaches told the council they feared alcohol sales would change the family atmosphere at youth sporting events and could increase disorder. Katie Johnson and Kennedy Johnson urged council members to keep youth events alcohol‑free; other residents described past incidents at fields and questioned whether policing could prevent problems.
Several council members pressed staff to clarify the difference between the ordinance and a separate policy, asking whether the council could set an age threshold and whether the city manager might be able to “turn off” sales for particular events. Oskerson responded that the policy can be amended and staff would bring a policy discussion back to the council in December with proposed age or event restrictions.
A motion to approve the ordinance was moved, seconded and recorded as approved on the final reading. The transcript records the approval but contains unclear wording about the numeric vote count; the council’s record in the minutes should be consulted for the official tally.
The council also approved a related spending authorization for concession inventory and directed staff to return with policy options that could restrict sales during youth leagues or other specified events.
