Councillor Deb Callaghan has suggested new regulations regarding alcohol consumption could be a bit of a nightmare for local organizations.
On July 12, Erin councillors considered the Optimist Club of Erin’s letter seeking to designate the Rhythm and Ribs Music Festival at McMillan Park a municipally significant event. It is set for Aug. 13 and 14.
The letter from Optimist member Wilson Belford noted, “The event last year was very successful and we anticipate increased attendance this year. Therefore we are requesting council to pass a resolution designating this event as municipally significant.”
Councillor Barb Tocher summed up the application as permitting patrons to walk around with their alcohol.
Callaghan said “when I was filling out the application form, it said I had to get this resolution from council. Whether or not we are actually going to get this permission – I don’t know.”
She said the process is not as simple as it sounds.
“We’re requesting this resolution in case we need it,” she said.
Councillor Josie Wintersinger said it would allow people to walk around with liquor. While she had no problem with that concept, she said when it was confined to a tent, it was controlled.
“The beer bottles were controlled and who got the liquor was controlled. Now it is out in the park, and you lose that control.”
She has concerns where the beer bottles end up, and the potential of additional garbage.
Wintersinger also has concerns about keeping liquor within the park and that the liquor is not getting into the hands of the wrong people.
Callaghan said the intent is to have all the Optimist Club members working for the duration of the event.
“We would still have the beer tent. One person would be able to walk over to a specific area, with a single drink in their hands. You can’t just wander all over the place.”
She added, “If we do go through with this, we will have fencing put up and we will monitor the gates.”
Callaghan agreed that it is one of her biggest concerns “that someone would just wander off, or bring something in.”
She said the entire club would need to work the weekend to curb that type of activity.
“I’m not in favour of this, personally, to be quite honest, but we’re still discussing this.”
She still has doubts it would happen, “but this would be an option to have in our back pockets.”
Callaghan did however note the size of the beer tent would be expanded this year.
“But I don’t think people will be walking freely around the property.”
Wintersinger asked if the approval also opens up the beer tent at the fall fair.
“This could become a very big issue for the town,” she said.
Tocher said that clerk Kathryn Ironmonger is bringing a report to the next council meeting on the potential impact.
She agreed the concept is a great idea in a lot of ways, but in other ways it could be a real headache, and a real problem.
Callaghan added, “From and organizational point of view, it’s a nightmare.”
She again stressed this might not be something the group needs this year, but because of the summer schedule, the group wants to have the option available.
