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Fair Board granted limited alcohol sales at grandstand and shorter lease term
Summary
Jackson County commissioners approved the Fair Board's request to allow alcohol sales at grandstand attractions Monday–Friday (Saturday still under discussion) and approved shortening the Fair Association lease from 40 to 20 years. Fair Board cited need to increase revenues; commissioners voted to approve both motions.
Jackson County commissioners on March 11 approved two Fair Board requests: limited alcohol sales at grandstand attractions and an amendment shortening the Fair Association lease from 40 to 20 years.
Tom Ritz and Linda Meyers spoke for the Fair Board. Meyers said she had consulted Tony Carroll at Purdue Extension, who confirmed the decision could be made by the Fair Board because the county "only reserves space and classes for 4‑H exhibits." Meyers told commissioners, "This will be confined to the grandstand, Monday through Friday," and noted the Fair Association already carries general liability insurance and was told a $3 million minimum liquor liability policy would be required to add alcohol sales. Commissioners voted to permit sales in the grandstand Monday through Friday, with Saturday (race day) still under consideration, and also approved shortening the lease term from 40 to 20 years.
Both motions passed with two yes votes. The decision authorizes the Fair Board to proceed with rules, insurance procurement and any operational plans necessary to implement alcohol sales and the amended lease.
Next steps include the Fair Board securing the specified liquor liability coverage and presenting any rule amendments for county review as required under existing lease and county policies.
