Feb 27, 2017 By Harry Funk 2 min read

Peters Township Council during its Feb. 27 meeting approved an ordinance by a 4-3 vote that allows for alcohol consumption within designated areas of Peterswood Park, including the newly rebuilt amphitheater and shelters 1, 2 and 3.

A related resolution establishes fees of $100 for the issuance of permits for the shelters and $250 for the amphitheater. Frank Arcuri, council chairman, joined David Ball and Robert Lewis in voting against both measures.

The ordinance has its basis in recommendations submitted to council in November by the township parks and recreation department. Those included Peterswood Shelter 4 and, on a limited basis, Elm Grove Park as potential designated areas, but both were eliminated prior to council’s vote.

Township manager Paul Lauer explained that in the case of Shelter 4, he took into consideration that the organizers of some gatherings might prefer not to be near groups consuming alcohol.

“I think it might make sense, particularly if you’re having a youth activity at the park,” he said.

Council members had a brief discussion about possibly limiting the types of containers to be allowed, as Arcuri expressed concern about the prevalence of broken bottles.

“The other thing that we could do, rather than create all these extra rules, is to see what happens, and if we have a problem, do it right,” Lauer said.

The ordinance allows for consumption of beer and wine, but not distilled beverages. Other stipulations include:

• The applicant must be 21 or older and bring valid photo identification with date of birth at the time of application, which must be made in person at the parks and recreation department.

• The name on the shelter or amphitheater rental must be the same as the name on the alcohol permit.

• Applications are subject to review by the parks and recreation department. The director can deny applications based on prior violations. Appeals can be filed, in which case the township manager renders the final decision.

• The applicant must be at the shelter during the rental period and must have the permit and valid photo identification with him or her.

• Alcohol must remain within a radius of 20 feet from the shelter or amphitheater.

• No alcohol is permitted in the restroom or playground areas.

• Sale of alcohol by the applicant is prohibited.

• The Peters Township Police Department will receive weekly reports from the parks and recreation department identifying shelter and amphitheater rentals for which alcohol permits are issued.