Alcohol Gets Green Light for Legacy Park Special Events

ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua has given the green light for alcoholic beverages to be served, sold, and consumed at special events held in Legacy Park, marking an update to the City's Code of Ordinances.

The decision, finalized on April 22, 2024, by the City Commission, comes after a series of amendments over the past years gradually easing restrictions on alcohol consumption in public spaces. The latest amendment, known as Ordinance 24-08, received initial approval on April 8, 2024, with a unanimous 4-0 vote during the first public hearing.

Prior to 2015, alcoholic beverages were prohibited from being sold, served, delivered to another, or consumed in any municipal park or recreation area and on any municipally leased, operated, or controlled property or area, including public right-of-way. In July 2015, the Code was amended to permit alcoholic beverages at the Swick House when the facility was rented for a private event, such as for wedding receptions.

In February 2018, the City again amended its Code to permit alcoholic beverages during specified events at the downtown Theatre Park and the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center.

In 2020, Phase 2 of Legacy Park, which included the addition of three multipurpose sports fields and the amphitheater, was completed. Ordinance 24-08 adds the Legacy Park property as a designated City property where alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Under the updated ordinance, alcoholic beverages will be allowed at Legacy Park during events that obtain a Special Event Permit issued by the City of Alachua. Specific circumstances outlined in the ordinance include:

Individual personal consumption at a fundraising event sponsored by a governmental entity;

Individual personal consumption by a not-for-profit entity that charges admission for the event but does not charge for the delivery of alcoholic beverages;

As permitted in accordance with a rental agreement which specifies such terms and conditions and permits the sale, service, or delivery for individual personal consumption during the period of the rental agreement.

Commissioner Jennifer Blalock made a motion to approve the ordinance with Commissioner Dayna Miller providing the second. The measure was passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote.

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