Passing by an initial 4-1 vote, the law would allow citizens to drink in public as long as they are within a certain area.
By MOLLY MOORHEAD
Published June 23, 2004
DADE CITY - City Commissioners on Tuesday evening took the first step in allowing alcohol consumption at downtown festivals, moving for an ordinance that sets guidelines on drinking on public property.
The vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Scott Black opposing it on principle.
"I'm just not ready to see Dade City lose its innocence in the name of the almighty dollar," he said.
Downtown Dade City Main Street organizers want to hold their annual Reverse Raffle, the group's major fundraiser at the start of the Christmas season, around the historic courthouse square. They plan an upscale party, at a cost of more than $100 per couple, with live music, dinner and cocktails. The event would require several street closures, including a portion of U.S. 301.
In the past, the issue of alcohol at the event has been an obstacle. Last year's raffle was a scaled-down version, held downtown but contained to the private Wachovia Bank property at U.S. 301 and Meridian Avenue. Prior to that, the raffle was held at the Pasco County fairgrounds, far from downtown.
But the new law, dubbed the special-use permit ordinance, could loosen the rules and allow people to carry alcoholic drinks around within set boundaries on city property. The law also would address security and sanitation issues at all festivals, which would have to be approved individually by the commission.
Commissioner Eunice Penix said roping off the area where drinks can be served is key.
"I really don't mind (allowing alcohol) as long as it's in a designated area," she said. "But I wouldn't want alcohol all over Dade City. We have a lot of children."
Mayor Hutch Brock agreed. "There is a defined and controlled area. Those are the key words to me," he said.
But Black, citing the proven success of the city's numerous downtown festivals, resisted adding alcohol to the mix.
"I'm not sure that we here in Dade City are ready to go that far," Black said. "We're not New Orleans. We're not Ybor City."
He expressed concern about liability, and about applying the new law fairly to everyone who seeks a permit. He asked city attorney Karla Owens to address the alcohol issue with Pasco County, which owns the historic courthouse, and the state Department of Transportation, which controls U.S. 301.
Dennis Alfonso, president of Main Street's board, said he hopes the raffle can serve as a template for future festivals where alcohol might be served.
The ordinance will be introduced at the next commission meeting, July 13. It then would be subject to two public hearings before it becomes law.
