Explanation
This ordinance is to amend Section 919.13 of the Columbus City Code to correct, delete and include language that was not done in 2017 when City Council enacted ordinance 0265-2017 to revise the Director of Recreation and Parks’ authority to grant written approval for the sale, service and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages during events at selected parks and facilities.
Background: It has been one year since the Columbus City Code has been revised to grant the Director of Recreation and Parks authority to set policy and guidelines for the sale, service and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages at major event venues. Currently alcohol is permitted in the Franklin Park Adventure Center and on the grounds of the Franklin Park Conservatory. Most alcoholic beverages sold during events are served and sold within a tent, trailer or vehicle, not a fixed facility.
By making a few minor changes to the existing code, we can delete the entire text of (3), renumber the remaining text and add the word “Franklin Park” under (4). To advance the City’s goal of developing vibrant neighborhoods and accommodate community celebrations within such neighborhoods as Franklin Park, the director of recreation and parks should be permitted by written authorization to allow the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on certain occasions when it is of the best interest of the City.
Benefits to the Public: Expands the venues for charitable organizations to host events as community fundraising endeavors with proceeds going back to the community.
Community Input Issues: None
Area(s) Affected: Franklin Park
Master Plan Relation: Expand cultural, recreational and social leisure activities.
Fiscal Impact: None
Title
To amend Section 919.13 of the City Code to grant the Director of Recreation and Parks the authority to allow for the sale, service and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages at Franklin Park when used as an event venue.
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend City Code Section 919.13 to grant the Director of Recreation and Parks the authority to set policy and guidelines for sale, service and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages at Franklin Park when used as an event venue; and
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the following Section, 919.13, of the City Code be amended to read as follows:
(A) No person shall knowingly possess with the purpose to consume any liquor or beer, as defined in Ohio R.C. Chapter 4301, while being in or upon any park.
(B) For the purposes of subsection (A) of this section, any person found in or upon any park and in possession of any liquor or beer is presumed to knowingly possess the liquor or beer with the purpose to consume such.
(C) Subsection (A) of this section shall not apply to the following locations:
(1) Municipal golf courses when concessions which include the possession, sale and/or consumption of liquor or beer are contracted by the recreation and parks department.
(2) The Columbus Zoo premises when the possession, sale and/or consumption of liquor or beer is permitted by written authorization from the Columbus Zoological Park Association.
(3) Franklin Park Adventure Center when the possession, sale and/or consumption of liquor or beer is permitted by written authorization from the director of the recreation and parks department.
(4) (3) The Cultural Arts Center when the possession, sale and/or consumption of liquor or beer is permitted by written authorization from the director of the recreation and parks department.
(5) (4) The following parks: Franklin Park, Goodale Park, Harrison Park, Mayme Moore Park, Schiller Park, Frank Fetch Park or Berliner Park when the possession, sale and/or consumption of liquor or beer is permitted by written authorization from the director of the recreation and parks department.
(6) (5) Certain enclosed, public rental shelter houses and/or facilities when the possession, sale and/or consumption of liquor or beer is permitted by written authorization from the director of the recreation and parks department.
(7) (6) Parkland within the Downtown District when the possession, sale and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted by written authorization from the director of the recreation and parks department.
(D) The possession, sale and/or consumption of liquor or beer, when permitted by subsection (C), shall be in compliance with all applicable laws pertaining thereto and with any recreation and parks department administrative rules. Failure to comply with any laws or administrative rules shall be sufficient grounds for immediate revocation of permit.
SECTION 2. That the prior existing Section 919.13 of the City Code is hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.