There were problems with minors drinking outside of designated areas at a recent softball day in Moorefield, and council wants to nip the problem before it gets bigger.
Moorefield held the annual Minor Ball Day at its diamonds on June 18.
Mapleton’s parks, culture and recreation committee noted in its minutes from a June 20 meeting “There is some concern in the community about an event that happened … about minors drinking and alcohol outside event area.”
The committee suggested “This is more of a council concern not a concern of this committee.”
Councillor Andy Knetsch said council could contact the OPP and ask it to do occasional patrols of such events on township property in the future.
He said, “These things can turn into vandalism,” and other crimes.
Chief Administrative Officer Patty Sinnamon said there have been recent changes by the provincial government to alcohol rules, and perhaps the township could invite the OPP to meet with area service clubs that host such events to apprise members of the new regulations.
She said it is a requirement that those putting on an event notify the OPP and the township about it.
Councillor Jim Curry said when an event is licenced, it is for control within the township property, and most of the problems in Moorefield were outside of that property.
He noted rules state there cannot be alcohol on township property except for designated areas, but when the problem comes from off the property, “Who’s responsible?”
Sinnamon said if alcohol is being taken off the property, it is the responsibility of the event organizer.
Curry said the problem seemed to occur when people took the alcohol out of their trunks.
Knetsch said there is case law where minors have been served, and there is an accident, and those serving are held responsible. He said people running events should be aware of that.
Sinnamon said the township has a policy that requires those serving alcohol to know the Smartserve rules. She said there are “clear guidelines.”
Public Works Director Larry Lynch said he was involved in a fastball tournament in Kitchener the previous weekend and, “It [illegal drinking] happens all over the place.” He said in Kitchener the drinkers were told to put the alcohol away or the police would be called.
Councillor Neil Driscoll said he had attended the event in Moorefield twice, and there was no garbage on the ground in the morning, despite there being 300 people at the parks. He said council should not let one person who broke the rules tarnish the entire event.
Sinnamon said the province has changed the rules and people can walk around at some events while carrying their drinks. But, she added, “Not this kind” in Moorefield.
CLARIFICATION – July 15, 2011 Wellington Advertiser
MAPLETON TWP. – A report about drinking at the Moorefield ball park in the July 8 Wellington Advertiser mentioned an event held there by the Drayton Moorefield Minor Ball Association.
There were problems with drinking at the park that weekend, but those problems did not arise during the ball event, but occurred when another group was using the park.
