AUBURN — The City Council voted 4-1 Monday evening to have a second reading of a proposed change to the Mass Gathering ordinance that would allow the sale and consumption of alcohol within an event area, not just a beer tent.
Auburn police Chief Phil Crowell outlined the proposal targeting large events, such as a country music festival proposed for the Lewiston-Auburn area this summer.
The show, according to promoters Mike Shea and Dean Staffieri, would include one nationally known performers. One of the possible locations for the two-day event sponsored by L-A Harley-Davidson and 99.9 The Wolf is Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport.
According to Shea, beer sponsorship money would help keep ticket prices affordable.
The proposed ordinance change would allow event patrons to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages within the confines of the event, and not restrict purchased and consumption to a beer tent or beer garden.
Ward 4 Councilor Adam Lee saw benefits to the amended ordinance but suggested several changes before the proposal moved forward.
The current language reads: “The sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages of any kind is prohibited within the mass gathering area during any event.
“The operator will exercise due diligence and exert his/her best efforts to prevent the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the mass gathering area and to prevent patrons from using, consuming, bringing in or otherwise obtaining alcoholic beverages within the mass gathering area.”
That statement would be changed to: “The sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages of any kind is prohibited within the mass gathering area unless the operator obtains all necessary permits from the city.”
The City Council would still have to approve or reject proposed gatherings where alcoholic beverages are to be served, and those events would still have to adhere to Maine regulations as well as the Special Amusement Ordinance.
The motion for a second reading of the change passed, with Mary LaFontaine, Adam Lee, Leroy Walker Sr. and Belinda Gerry in favor, and Robert Hayes against.
Councilors Tizz Crowley and David Young were absent.
dmcintire@sunjournal.com
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