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Scottsdale City Council recently approved Ordinance No. 4437, which among other things, amends city code allowing for wine consumption at Parks and Recreation Department facilities throughout the community.
A report to City Council authored by Reed Pryor, Parks and Recreation director; and Nick Molinari, Parks and Recreation manager, outlines beer consumption is already allowed --- but wine consumption has been prohibited by state law.
“The City of Scottsdale currently allows the consumption of beer in Scottsdale parks with the purchase of a permit,” the report states. “Beer is permitted to be consumed in cans or kegs only, with glass bottles prohibited in all Scottsdale parks. Presently, beer is the only alcohol that Scottsdale permits within our parks system due to state liquor law restrictions that were in effect the last time the Scottsdale park rules changed.”
In fiscal year, 2018-19 the Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Department issued 707 beer permits, officials say.
City parks officials report the Arizona Legislature changed state law allowing people to “consume wine from a broken package” in public recreation areas with the permission of the property owner.
“This change went into effect on Aug. 27, 2019 as House Bill 2281 from the 2019 state legislative session,” the report to council states. “Prior to the passage of HB 2281, state law only allowed people to consume beer from a broken package in public recreation areas with the permission of the property owner.”
Chapter 20, Article III of Scottsdale City Code has been amended to allow for wine consumption allowing permitted wine drinking beginning March 1.
The change defines the cost of “beer and wine permits” are $15 as defined by the Community Services Fees and Charges adopted by City Council, officials report.
Specifically, Ordinance No. 4437 will change the following:
There is no formal application for a permit. Any language referring to an “application” is being changed to a “request.”
The city will not request or store personal identification information.
After conferring with the Scottsdale Police Department, Parks and Recreation officials report there is no anticipated impact to public safety.
Scottsdale City Council approved Ordinance No. 4437 at its Jan. 21 meeting, on consent, at City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
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