Board May Relax Alcohol Law

Beer, Wine Considered At Arts Center, Museum

By Catherine Cheney

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Loudoun residents may soon be able to sip wine or beer at concerts, plays, art exhibits and author talks under an amendment that could allow alcohol to be served at two county venues.

The Board of Supervisors voted to consider amending the county's alcohol ordinance at a public hearing Sept. 8. The amendment would allow beer and wine to be served, in a one-year trial period, for fundraising activities and public events at the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center and the Heritage Farm Museum.

"This just puts the county facilities on a level playing field with other counties and jurisdictions," said Supervisor Kelly Burk (D-Leesburg), who supports the amendment. "I see it as an opportunity for the county to take advantage of the revenue available at these events."

A 1985 county ordinance bans alcoholic beverages at all county parks, recreation areas and community centers. Cindy Lowther, president of the Franklin Park board of directors; Su Webb, president of the Heritage Farm board; and Doug Fabbioli of Fabbioli Cellars requested that the county board reconsider the ordinance.

On July 21, the board voted 7 to 1 to consider an amendment that would allow wine and beer at events at certain sites in the county. Supporters said it would bring in revenue and promote Loudoun wineries.

Supervisor Eugene A. Delgaudio (R-Sterling), a member of the board's public safety and human services committee, voted against the resolution, citing the risk of more drunken driving accidents and arrests.

"One supervisor voted against it. That should tell you something right there," Fabbioli said. "If I can win over the majority and then some, I feel very confident that we're doing the right thing."

The board is considering limits to the amendment. To protect children, supervisors decided that consumption would be restricted to evening events but not during "months when there is a high volume of sports activities involving children."

If the amendment is adopted, groups that use Franklin Park or the heritage museum could serve alcohol from 7 to 11 p.m. from Sept. 15 to Dec. 15 and evenings before 11 p.m. from Dec. 15 to March 15.

"It is a trial opportunity to potentially enhance the options available for renters in those two facilities," said Claire Smith of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. "If you are seeking that additional option, that might be more appealing to you."

Renters must have a valid alcohol permit and proof of liability insurance.

Franklin Park representatives said that the ability to serve beer and wine would generate revenue, filling the void of decreased donations during the recession. In a report viewed by county supervisors, the center said that the ability to serve wine is "essential to offering a fine dining and cultural environment" and "very important to successful special events."

The board also voted July 21 to endorse the unanimous decision by the county library system's Board of Trustees to allow wine and beer at library-sponsored events.

"We want to bring in some authors throughout the year and be able to serve a light meal with a glass of wine," said Doug Henderson, director of the library system.

"I certainly understand [the board's] concerns about serving alcohol in public places, but I hope they lean toward at least trying it on a trial basis," said Cheryl Kilday, president of the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association. "Franklin Park is a lovely facility, and not being able to serve local products is preventing some groups from holding their events there. We try to promote the total visitor experience and showcase our local products, so any time our wineries can showcase the wine country here, it's a plus."

If the amendment is adopted, supervisors said they would evaluate the policy at the end of the trial period and consider whether to continue and expand it.

Tagged: alcohol, Board of Supervisors

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