Ark Valley News - No need for beer at city building

No need for beer at city building
Last Updated: March 26, 2015

We find no good reason to allow alcohol consumption at the city-owned Community Building, and we encourage the Valley Center City Council to deny a proposal that would do so.

The city council last week discussed an ordinance that would modify an existing ban on alcohol consumption on all city property. Alcohol would be allowed inside the Community Building, which is in Lions Park at 316 E. Clay, but nowhere else.

City leaders emphasized that the ordinance would not allow the sale of alcohol.

The council is expected to vote on the ordinance April 7.

City officials said they receive requests from time to time from people who rent the Community Building for birthday parties, family reunions and other functions. Renters want to know whether they can have alcohol inside the building.

Normally, the Community Building is used for senior club activities throughout the week.

We don't understand why there's a need for this exception.

It can't be to attract more renters.

On the weekends, the building is rented with good frequency, often for as many as four functions each weekend, City Administrator Joel Pile said. The city charges Valley Center residents $15 per hour (with a four-hour minimum) to rent the space.

We understand that some renters will consume alcohol on public property with or without permission.

In fact, Pile told city council members that cleaning crews often find empty beer cans in the Community Building after functions.

But opening the space to alcohol consumption isn't the answer to that problem. Even-handed enforcement of the rules is.

We also recognize that if this ordinance is approved, it could broaden the future functions of a new community center, a proposal that is under consideration. Some organizations that need to rent large public spaces for their events have said that alcohol consumption is a big draw to their functions and a factor in their success.

If the new community center allowed alcohol, they would rent the space for their functions and not be forced elsewhere outside of the city.

We understand the need. We're afraid, however, that allowing alcohol inside one city building opens the door to other spaces, including the outdoor parks. We don't want that to happen.

Public spaces should remain free of alcohol.

— The Ark Valley News