A recent post by the city of Dublin regarding the consumption of alcohol on public property sparked debate and what seemed like confusion on the city’s alcohol ordinance.
The post began: “We are hearing that people believe it is acceptable for alcohol to be consumed at the City Park and the City Pool. This absolutely is NOT the case! City Ordinance prohibits the public consumption of alcohol in public places within the City of Dublin.”
The post goes on to report that those in violation of the ordinance may be subject to fines of $50 up to $200.
City Manager Bobby Mendez reported the post was written simply because the city was receiving questions.
“[Public Works Director] Cory [James] had two or three people in the matter of a week talk to him about alcohol at the city park,” Mendez said. “They had heard you could use it anywhere in the city park including the pool.”
While the city has not been noticing any widespread violations or infractions, they thought it was best to get the information out.
Mendez said there may be confusion about the loosening of public consumption guidelines with the increased availability of alcohol in the city limits. Several responding to the city’s post questioned why people were allowed to sell alcohol at events in the park like St. Patrick’s Day.
Section 18-58 of the City’s alcohol ordinance states the sale, consumption or distribution of alcohol in public places is unlawful except in approved exceptions by the city manager or their designee.
These exceptions allow alcohol on public streets or alleys and city property like the park for special events as long as certain guidelines are met.
These include: (1) Abidebythelaws of the state regarding the sale, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, including without limitation, those laws prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age; (2) Provide that certified law enforcement officers be on duty during the special event; and (3) Agreetoindemnify the city from any and all liability associated with the sale, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages in the public place during the duration of the special permit.
(4) The following conditions will apply to the special permit: (A) Special permit fee: $250.00. (B) Cleanup and security deposit: $500.00, refundable, as determined by inspection. (C) Securitywillbe provided as determined by the city manager and chief of police.
“I think a lot of people are confusing the fact that the special event permit allows for a TABClicensed business to get an off-site permit to sell through TABC,” Mendez said. He offered that this is very different from open containers since licensed bartenders have had training for the state and know to ID customers and not over-serve.
Mendez invites anyone with questions on city codes to visit the website at ci.dublin.tx.us or call city hall at (254) 445-3331. He said they are always glad to provide links or copies to the ordinance so people can read the ordinance directly if they have questions.