North Huntingdon OKs permit for alcohol in parks
Alcohol will be permitted in North Huntingdon’s parks, with a township permit.
Commissioners voted 5-2 on Wednesday to approve an ordinance creating a $100 permit for those who want to drink beer or wine. Applications for alcohol usage must be approved by Township Manager Jeff Silka.
Jason Atwood and Eric Gass voted against the ordinance, continuing their stance over the past few months since the commissioners considered a proposal to permit alcohol use in rented park pavilions.
Atwood said following the meeting that people have been told that impairment from alcohol begins with the first drink. “Now, we are going to let that impairment begin in our parks,” he said.
Gass said he believes drinking alcohol in the parks is a public safety issue.
“There is no guarantee that people are going to do the right thing,” Gass said.
Commissioner Brian Blasko, who had argued in favor of permitting alcohol use in the parks, sought on Wednesday to lower the fee to $50. He found no support among fellow commissioners.
Charging $100 for the permit might eliminate some people willing to rent a pavilion and serve alcohol at some function, Blasko said. The higher fee might steer some people to neighboring municipalities where they could obtain the alcohol permit for less money.
Both Hempfield and Murrysville have a permit for alcohol usage in their parks.
Commissioner Virginia Stump said the fee could be changed after the ordinance is passed.
Alcohol consumption will be allowed only within 20 feet of the rented pavilion and would be prohibited near the children’s playground.
Those age 21 and older who seek the permit must include a $200 deposit, which could be used to cover any cleanup costs if the pavilion is not left in the same condition as when it was rented. The deposit also could be forfeited if the police have to respond to an incident where alcohol is being served or if other township employees such as public works or the parks staff are required.
The permit holder also must show proof of having $100,000 worth of liability insurance.
Any vendors at an event must obtain a permit to sell alcohol and show proof of liability insurance.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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