Laserfiche WebLink
2.3) Consider Repealing the Section of City Code Prohibiting Alcohol in Parks <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated that currently, Ramsey City Code prohibits possession of and <br />consumption of alcohol in City parks without a Special Events Permit. However, it is <br />commonplace to witness patrons carrying coolers of beer to fishing spots, etc. He suggested that <br />if Council is interested in taking the prohibition out of City Code, staff could suggest some <br />amendments; e.g. wine and beer could be legitimized. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated if you are going to take away the prohibition of alcohol in the <br />parks, then just do it. We should not micromanage what they can or cannot drink in the parks. <br />Councilmember Jeffrey inquired if it has been a problem. <br />Chief Way responded no, it has not been a problem. It's happening now but we only enforce it <br />when we need to. It's kind of like "don't ask — don't tell ". <br />Councilmember Tossey stated there is a social value beer and wine are more socially <br />acceptable. There's more of a stigma with the person with a flask versus the couple with a bottle <br />of wine. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he is not against changing this again and we may open it back up to <br />cigarette smoking. He did not like it from the standpoint that you are mixing kids with adults <br />that may be inebriated. He thinks the policy issues would ramp up from that. He felt this might <br />open up a can of worms. <br />Councilmember Wise inquired about other cities allowing alcohol in their parks. <br />Chief Way stated he did not know of any except by permit only. The City of Elk River enforces <br />it basically as we do. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he would advocate just leaving it alone — don't ask — don't tell <br />works for him. If we change it — we are advertising that — leave it as is. <br />Mr. Riverblood suggested maybe we could identify parks where it might be more common to <br />have an event — for example The Draw. <br />Discussion ensued relating to the special events at The Draw and how maybe they could be <br />approved administratively. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated there is an ordinance pertaining to public intoxication so he could go either <br />way on this one. It would be easy to just allow it but he did not want to see keg parties going on <br />in Central Park. Maybe in the future just allow it in The Draw. <br />Councilmember Wise liked the idea of identifying parks. <br />City Council Work Session - March 29, 2011 <br />Page 5 of11 <br />