Alcohol may be permitted in Verona parks for special occasions

Special events in Verona parks may have something extra this summer — alcohol.

Borough officials are revisiting their long-time prohibition on adult beverages at the recreation sites and are considering allowing permits for such drinks, but only during major occasions.

Those caught drinking in borough parks under the current law are subject to a fine.

“It’s in the development phase,” borough Solicitor Craig Alexander said about the ordinance amendment following a council meeting March 12.

He said businesses that want to sell alcohol would have to apply for a permit through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board as well as the borough. Those giving away drinks may only have to acquire a borough permit.

In both instances, alcohol distributors still would have to comply with applicable laws such as not supplying the drinks to people younger than 21.

It was unclear when council would adopt the ordinance change or how much a permit would cost.

Councilwoman Nancy Carpenter said amending the ordinance came as a request from the borough’s parks and recreation board for the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance’s Battle in the Borough 2 at Cribbs Field in Verona.

It’s scheduled for Aug. 24 and presented by the recreation board and Lower Valley Athletic Foundation. The first Battle took place last August and drew more than 200 people.

“I think it may attract more people to the event,” Carpenter said. “Possibly for Community Day. It’s so much in the beginning stages. We’re considering it.”