Tyrone Council Approves June Night Market with Off‑Premises Alcohol Sales Over Public Concern

The Tyrone Town Council voted 3–1 to approve a downtown Night Market event for June 12, 2026, that will permit off‑premises alcohol sales in a designated area of Shamrock Park under a contract among the Town, the Tyrone Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Night Market operator Jason Bass.

The decision followed more than an hour of public comment and council discussion focused on whether alcohol belongs in a family park and whether the proposal complies with the town's distance and safety rules. Dozens of residents urged rejection, citing risks to children, underage exposure and public‑safety concerns. "I would ask you to vote against this so that we don't expose children and families to it," said Philip Fields, a pastor and counselor who identified himself as active in the community.

Jason Bass, who runs Night Market events in neighboring jurisdictions, told council his events typically include local vendors, live music, art and food and rely on one primary local alcohol vendor and on‑site police presence. "Our alcohol component is one of the four pillars that I say Night Market stands on — live music, the art, food, and the alcohol component," Bass said, adding that vendors card patrons and use wristbands or similar controls.

Council and staff spent substantial time on proximity rules. Staff explained the town enforces two distance frameworks: a state‑minimum standard within the downtown/DDA boundary and an older 300‑foot town requirement outside that boundary. Philip (town staff) noted that whether distance is measured "as the crow flies" or property‑line to property‑line depends on the code and that councils can, in limited circumstances, grant exemptions. Mr. Davenport added that council's actions can include tailored approvals tied to contracts before the body.

Several residents described prior incidents around busy events and expressed skepticism that the Night Market's controls would prevent spillover problems. "Things aren't reported doesn't mean they don't happen," said David Abblelet, a nearby property owner who described past parking lot damage and vandalism after events.

Council ultimately approved the DDA‑sponsored Night Market and the related contract that includes alcohol provisions. The mayor recorded the result as three votes in favor and one opposed. Council did not adopt additional, time‑limited conditions in the motion; staff and the DDA indicated they would monitor the event and could consider a review after a test period.

The operator said he would continue to work with the town on vendor selection, age‑verification procedures and police coordination.

Next steps: The event is scheduled for June 12, 2026. Council and staff said they would monitor community feedback and public safety impacts after the event and consider policy adjustments if needed.