City Council Rejects Special Event Alcohol Permits for Parks

The South Gate City Council struck down a request to consider special event alcohol permits in the city’s park facilities. Concerns over drunk driving were one of the main reasons behind the unanimous 5-vote denial by the council.

“I just can’t support this,” said councilmember . “Unless they can guarantee me that the folks who drink in the facility will spend the night there and not drive after.”

This item was brought to the council by  in South Gate Park. The sports complex has hosted soccer related events for various companies, but has lost some potential clients as a result of the no liquor policy.

“It is a shame we have to have alcohol in order to make money,” said councilmember “Can’t you do promotional things without selling alcohol in the park?”

Members of the council also expressed their shared concern over the large presence of children in both the park and a nearby elementary school.

“There is a lot of kids out there and we have a school,” said councilmember Maria Davila. “So we need to be careful.”

Mayor Bill De Witt and Vice-Mayor Gil Hurtado concurred with the concerns of other members of council and also voted against the special event alcohol permits.

The existence of a temporary alcohol permits for special events is not something new. In fact, members of the city staff told the council that they have been issued and properly controlled by other cities.

“The staff and police department believe that in a controlled situation, on a limited basis, it can be done,” said , Director of Parks and Recreation.

Most residents present did not speak on this topic. However, two did manage to share some of their safety concerns, while another admitted to being open to the idea of trying it out. 

“This is a very good proposal that we should try on a temporary basis,” said Daisy Pizana.  “Using this trial run to explore how to have a safe party with alcohol in the future, and to generate additional revenue is a good idea to keep in mind.“

Jaime Garcia, marketing director for Goals Soccer Center, told South Gate Patch Latino that business will not be too affected as result of this decision.

According to Garcia,  the company is doing well but would like to grow faster. 

"We are happy but we are not necessarily satisfied,’ said Garcia, who further added it that Goals Soccer Center would continue to comply with the municipal liquor restrictions. “ All [Goals Soccer Center] did was ask the question.”

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