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MOLLY MOORHEADCity commissioners push an ordinance toward a final vote that will allow the drinks at events such as the Reverse Raffle.
DADE CITY - An ordinance that would allow alcoholic drinks at some public events inched another step toward passage Tuesday, despite impassioned opposition from several residents.
City commissioners voted 4-1 to bring the special events ordinance back at their next meeting for a final vote. Commissioner Scott Black sought to proceed with the ordinance, which sets rules for all festivals, without any alcohol provision. His motion had no support from other commissioners.
Several speakers sided with Black, saying alcoholic drinks have no place at public festivals.
"Several of you have small children," Mary Morgan told commissioners. "Think of them when you pass this."
The Rev. John Chesser, pastor of Calvary Assembly of God, said drinking opens the door to trouble.
"Alcohol creates problems. It just does," he said. Chesser added that it's inappropriate to use public resources, such as a police presence, to support such events.
Downtown Dade City Main Street organizers first brought the alcohol issue before the commission last year. They hope to hold their annual Reverse Raffle, a major fundraiser at the start of the Christmas season, around the historic courthouse square. Organizers envision a nighttime party with dinner and live music, during which partygoers would be able to walk around the downtown square with drinks in hand.
Dennis Alfonso, Main Street board president, said Tuesday that holding the raffle downtown and allowing alcoholic drinks would not create "lawlessness."
"Do it in a way that is restricted and controlled," Alfonso said.
Mike Agnello added that allowing alcoholic drinks at some events would not mean drinking would become a part of existing festivals.
"We want to bring in some events we don't have," Agnello said. "We don't want alcohol at the Kumquat Festival or the Christmas Parade."
Phyllis Smith, president of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, told commissioners that alcohol is not being considered for those events.
The ordinance allows the city to halt an event at any time and requires those applying for an alcohol permit to specify the exact area where drinks can be consumed.
The law would not allow drinking in public spaces outside a permitted event, and it would empower the city to deny an alcohol permit for any event.
"It doesn't create a right" to serve alcoholic drinks, city attorney Karla Owens said. "There is a big difference if something is entitled a license. (Event organizers) have no legal right to this permit."
Commissioners are set to vote on the ordinance at their next meeting, set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 24. But public comment on the issue has been closed, meaning no one will be able to speak on the ordinance at that time.