Sharpsburg passes rules for alcohol at special events

Restrictions on alcohol use during events in Sharpsburg are now formalized.

Council approved the policy May 25.

“We had restrictions on events with alcohol like requiring wristbands, but they weren’t in writing,” Councilwoman Sarah Ishman said. “This just solidifies best practices and makes it clear to everyone what we expect when considering a request to have alcohol at an event.

“Our insurance (company) notified us this year that we are required to have security or police present at any events where alcohol is served. There was, thankfully, no incident or issue that prompted this policy. We just want to put it in place so that it stays that way.”

Regulations include the use of wristbands to designate attendees who are of legal drinking age, an alcohol permit application requirement and no glass containers allowed. Plastic cups and cans are permitted.

The applicant must also pay for police presence at a rate of $80 per hour. A third party security may be approved by the borough in the event not enough officers are available to cover the event.

“You can’t just use ‘Uncle Ed’ and say that he’s good,” Ishman said of security usage. “The borough is the signer-offer on that. The (borough manager) will consult with the (police) chief if it comes to that, and that’s how that will be handled.

“We don’t want the borough to be subsidizing alcohol parties for private events.”

The policy is available for review at the borough office, 1611 Main St.

Wanted: Junior council rep

The borough’s junior council position will be available in the coming school year.

Roman Mason, Fox Chapel Area High School student council president, has served his one-year term. He was sworn in as junior councilman June 23.

Mason lobbied for lights to come on at the basketball court and ball fields at Kennedy Park, pushed for the creation of a skate park, hosted a community meeting to gather input on park upgrades, and joined the borough’s parks and recreation commission among other initiatives during his term.

Sharpsburg families who wish to learn more about the junior council program can send a message to manager@sharpsburgborough.com.