Council OKs open containers for firemens' festival

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

By Judi Anthony
BROOKVILLE - Solicitor Jim Dennison provided the members of Brookville Borough Council with a revision to the Open Container Ordinance at Tuesday night's council meeting.
The revision is necessary so that the Brookville Volunteer Fire Department can apply for a "Special Occasion" permit from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB ) for the department's annual festival. The festival will be held from August 22 - 25 in the borough.
Dennison said that only certain entities can get special occasion permits, and he made a decision to limit the amendment to the fire department so that future councils will not be bound by the amendment. He said boroughs and fire departments have a special relationship, and this way the council will not be bombarded with numerous requests.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Code limits the type of entity which can apply for Special Occasion permits; private citizens are not allowed to apply. The special permit, if granted, would be utilized only on August 24 and 25, when live bands will be performing downtown.
Fire Chief Jim Lipuma said if the permit is issued and alcohol is sold at the event, the situation will be closely monitored. People age 21 and older will be issued wristbands so they can purchase alcohol; no wristband, no purchase or consumption of alcohol. Possession of alcoholic beverages would only be allowed in the area on Main Street between Diamond Alley and Pickering Street, and in the food court area on Pickering Street from Cherry Alley to Jefferson Street.
The council voted to advertise Ordinance No. 1080, with formal adoption set for the March 6 meeting.