Title
RESOLUTION R-1516-31: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, PROHIBITING THE DISTRIBUTION OR SALE FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION OF INTOXICATING OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, INCLUDING 3.2 BEER OR ANY OTHER 3.2 BEVERAGE, AT ANY PUBLIC PARK OR RECREATIONAL FACILITY IN THE CITY OF NORMAN EXCLUDING THE FIREHOUSE ARTS STATION, THE HISTORICAL MUSEUM, THE SOONER THEATRE, WESTWOOD PARK, THE SANTA FE DEPOT AND LEGACY PARK.
Body
BACKGROUND: On June 30, 1987, City Council passed Resolution R-8687-95 which prohibited the distribution or sale of intoxicating or alcoholic beverages at any City of Norman public park or recreational facility with the exception of the Firehouse Art Station, the Historical Museum, the Sooner Theater, Westwood Park and the Santa Fe Depot. Section 15-102 of the City Code defines “alcoholic beverage” as any liquor containing hydrated oxide of ethyl, ethyl alcohol, ethanol, or spirts of wine, from whatever source or by whatever process produced. Section 15-105 of the City Code defines “intoxicating beverage” as an alcoholic beverage contained more than three and two-tenths (3.2) percent alcohol by weight.
In September 2015, Legacy Park was opened to the public. The park was designed and constructed to accommodate various types of special events; the design of the park included a large amphitheater for such events. We have recently received a reservation request for a fund raising event for the Fred Jones Museum of Art to be held at Legacy Park. The event planners have indicated that the ticketed event will include a variety of entertainment provided on the amphitheater stage, along with a large tent set up in the amphitheater seating area, which will provide a controlled space where a catered dinner, including alcoholic beverages, will be served. The event will be secured by museum security and off-duty Norman Police officers. In reviewing this reservation request, it was determined that it could not be approved without adding Legacy Park to the list of those facilities which have been excluded in the previous Resolution.
DISCUSSION: The proposed Resolution, R-1516-31, adds Legacy Park to the list of facilities that are excluded from the prohibition of selling or distributing intoxicating or alcoholic beverages. Like the other facilities exempt from the prohibition, Legacy Park was designed to accommodate a variety of outside events. This resolution will allow permits to be issued for certain areas of Legacy Park that can be secured and controlled for this type of use. Distribution of intoxicating or alcoholic beverages requires restrictive permits and licenses that are reviewed and issued through City, State and County agencies. Legacy Park reservation requests that include distribution of intoxicating or alcoholic beverages will be required to obtain all necessary permits issued by the City of Norman and to abide by all State and County regulations.
The Norman Parks Board and the University North Park Business Improvement District Advisory Board have both reviewed Resolution R-1516-31 and recommended it be approved by City Council.
RECOMMENDATION: it is recommended that Resolution R-1516-31 be approved as submitted.