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Taylor council hears rodeo event liquor request; first-reading ordinance on permits tabled
Summary
Promoter Gina Kraut asked to rent Taylor Rodeo Park and use a Class 15 special-event liquor license for a two-day bull-riding event; council discussed controls and community reputation and voted to table an ordinance that would allow special alcohol permits on town property.
A promoter seeking to hold a two-day bull-riding event at Taylor Rodeo Park asked the council for permission to rent the grounds and pursue a Class 15 special-event liquor license, but councilors expressed caution and tabled a related ordinance.
Gina Kraut of Lazy K Heart Productions told the council she brings a professional crew, licensed bartenders and security to events and estimated at least 500 attendees for a smaller-scale bull-riding weekend. Kraut said past events she ran have raised about $8,000 for charity over four years and that controlled beer-garden areas and ID checks would be used to limit overconsumption.
Council members offered mixed views. Council Member Jason Brubaker recalled witnessing a fight at a rodeo and urged maintaining a nonalcohol, family-friendly environment; Council Member Lynn Dewitt cited personal and family reasons for opposing alcohol at community events. Mayor Shawn Palmer noted the rodeo grounds had seen three separate acts of violence over time — one without alcohol, one with extreme alcohol, and one with alcohol present — and said behavior standards matter regardless of alcohol availability.
Town Manager Gus Lundberg presented Ordinance O2026-01, a proposed amendment to Taylor Town Code Title 8, Chapter 8.20 to allow special-event alcohol permits on town property. Lundberg clarified that the ordinance would not automatically grant a permit; event applicants must still meet requirements such as working with a nonprofit (a state requirement for a Class 15 permit), submitting a plan and providing insurance.
Council Member Jason Brubaker moved to table the ordinance; April Williams seconded and the motion to table carried. No ordinance change was adopted and no permit was approved at the meeting. Promoter Gina Kraut said she would help guide the permitting process and thanked council members; Mayor Palmer offered town equipment support for events.
The council did not make a final decision on allowing alcohol at the rodeo grounds and left further consideration for a later meeting.
