Milton council approves alcohol ordinance

Nonprofit events in Milton will soon be able to apply for a permit that will allow them to serve alcohol at special events held on town-owned property.

Milton Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance May 1 spelling out the rules and regulations for the new policy, which will be further reviewed by the parks and recreation committee, Milton Police Department and Milton Fire Department before going into effect.

Under the ordinance, special events held on town properties, including Memorial Park, Mill Park and town-owned land at 614 Federal St., would be allowed to apply for a license to serve alcohol at a particular event. Event organizers must get a license, police coverage and liability insurance to hold an event where alcohol is sold, and the event must have designated areas where alcohol is served that are off-limits to underage youth.

The ordinance is aimed at helping nonprofit organizations increase attendance at events and provide an additional revenue source. The town would also increase revenue through the application fee.

The main issue to be worked out is events in Memorial Park, which tend to attract children. Councilwoman Annette Babich, whose economic development committee spearheaded the ordinance, said the application mandates that alcohol service be separate from the rest of the event, and the application also mandates the event organizer to check IDs or have an ID bracelet system. In addition, guests are not allowed to be served more than two beers per person at a time. 

After some tweaks, council elected to move forward with the ordinance, agreeing it is an opportunity to allow nonprofits to make a bit of extra money and for additional events to be held in downtown Milton.

Councilman Larry Savage said, “I feel it would help the growth of our town. Times are changing. I think it’s time to help the organizations that have these events.”