HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 24219: DISALLOWING GUESTS FROM BRINGING ALCOHOL INTO THE CIVIC CENTER, REQUIRING EVENTS TO HAVE TABC LICENSED VENDOR P.R 24219
TNR 1/6/25
RESOLUTON NO.
A RESOLUTION DISALLOWING GUESTS FROM
BRINGING ALCOHOL INTO THE CIVIC CENTER FOR
HOSTED EVENTS, REQUIRING ALL EVENTS WITH
ALCOHOL TO HAVE A TABC LICENSED VENDOR TO
PROVIDE AND SERVE ALCOHOL, AND IMPLEMENTING
MEASURES TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY AND REDUCE
ALCOHOL-RELATED INCIDENTS AT THE ROBERT A.
"BOB" BOWERS CIVIC CENTER LOCATED AT 3401
CULTURAL CENTER DRIVE, PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS
77642.
WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur, through the Robert A. "Bob" Bowers Civic Center
(Civic Center), provides a venue for various events, including but not limited to reunions, private
parties,and public functions,where alcohol has historically been allowed to be brought in by event
attendees under a " Self-Serve Alcohol " policy; and
WHEREAS, Sec. 144-117 of the Port Arthur City Ordinance grants the Civic Center's
board of commissioners the authority to establish and maintain a policy of operations. The board
convened on December 4, 2024, and recommended prohibiting guests from bringing alcohol into
the Civic Center for hosted events, requiring that all events providing, selling, and/or serving
alcohol have a TABC-licensed vendor for its provision and service, and implementing measures
to enhance public safety and reduce alcohol-related incidents.
WHEREAS, numerous incidents have occurred at events within the Civic Center where
alcohol-fueled altercations, over-serving of alcohol, injuries due to spills or broken bottles, and
even fights requiring law enforcement intervention have negatively impacted the safety of patrons
and city employees alike, including incidents that have led to early event shutdowns and unsafe
conditions for attendees; and
WHEREAS, the Civic Center Commission recognizes the importance of ensuring the
safety and well-being of both participants and staff and acknowledges the challenges associated
with maintaining order at large-scale events with unregulated alcohol consumption; and
WHEREAS,the Civic Center Commission seeks to mitigate risks associated with alcohol
consumption by requiring events to contract with a licensed and regulated vendor to provide, sell,
and/or serve alcohol,ensuring that the responsibility for alcohol service,including monitoring for
over-consumption, lies with a professional entity with a valid Texas Alcoholic Beverage
Commission(TABC) license; and
P.R 24219
TNR 1/6/25
WHEREAS, the Civic Center Commission recognizes that the elimination of the Self-
Serve Alcohol policy and the mandatory use of TABC licensed vendors will reduce the prevalence
of glass bottles, which have been used as weapons during altercations, and reduce the frequency
of accidents caused by broken bottles, spilled liquids, and falls resulting in injuries; and
WHEREAS, the Civic Center Commission has determined that, in light of the
implementation of the updated alcohol policy requiring the use of licensed vendors for events
where alcohol is present, it is in the best interest of the City to eliminate the Catering Fee of$1.25
per chair for events involving alcohol service, recognizing the financial impact on hosts and
attendees;
WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges that implementing this policy may increase
convenience and safety for event organizers and attendees, as licensed vendors will have the setup
to control alcohol service and reduce risks associated with unregulated alcohol consumption.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
Section 2. That, effective immediately, all events hosted at the Robert A. "Bob" Bowers
Civic Center, Located at 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, Texas 77642, will no longer
allow guests to bring alcohol under the current self-serve alcohol policy. Alcohol may only be
provided and served by a licensed alcohol vendor with a valid TABC permit.
Section 3. That all event organizers seeking to have alcohol available at Civic Center
events must contract with a TABC-licensed vendor to provide and serve alcohol at their event.
These vendors shall assume full responsibility for alcohol service, including ensuring no alcohol
is served to intoxicated individuals.
Section 4.That the City Council will monitor the impact of this policy on event safety and
costs and make adjustments as necessary based on feedback from event organizers, vendors, the
board of commissions, and the community.
Section 5. That a copy of the caption of this resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the
City Council.
READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED this the th day of March, A.D. 2025 at
a meeting of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following vote:
Ayes:
Mayor:
Councilmembers:
P.R 24219
TNR 1/6/25
Noes:
Thurman Bartie, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
C
Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
et,100-
Ron Burton, C' ity Manager