Franklin City beer board approves Downtown Franklin Rotary’s Hogball special-event permit

The Franklin City Beer Board on June 9 approved a special-event beer permit for the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club’s “Hogball” fundraiser at Eastern Flank Battlefield (1368 Eastern Flank Circle) for Oct. 3, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

City staff, identified in the hearing as Miss Davey, told the board the application and inspections are complete and recommended approval. A Rotary representative described the event as the club’s fifth year of running Hogball and said proceeds are distributed among five local charities, with attendees able to vote on how funds are allocated.

“A staff review of the application and inspections is complete, so staff is recommending approval,” Miss Davey said. A Rotary representative said the event raises money for local charities and that attendees vote on award distribution.

Alderman Barnhill asked organizers to confirm that bartenders would be certified and that the event would take steps to prevent underage service. “Your bartenders have to be ABC certified and you make sure that you don't serve underage,” Alderman Barnhill said. Alderman Caesar said he has attended the event several times and did not see a risk of underage patrons receiving alcohol at past events.

Board members voted unanimously to approve the permit; Alderman Barnhill, Alderman Caesar and the chair voted yes.

What happens next: The approved special-event permit authorizes the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club to hold the Hogball fundraiser at the stated location and time. Organizers and city departments should follow any standard conditions attached to special-event permits and the board’s approval.