City of Vandalia working to make sure their permitting process for having alcohol at outdoor events matches up with their insurance

With Charter’s Patio season set to get underway very soon, and Summer Fest coming not long from now, the City of Vandalia is working to make sure their permitting process for having alcohol at outdoor events matches up with their insurance carrier.

During Monday’s Vandalia City Council meeting, there was a fairly long discussion on the matter.  City Attorney Ryan Connor says they are making sure nothing in their ordinance code was in conflict with their risk management policy in regards to how alcohol is served by liquor licensees and consumed by the public.  Connor says it is normally unlawful to consume alcohol on city right of ways–such as streets and sidewalks–most of the time.  But, he says in these special and limited circumstances you can be covered as long as you’re purchasing your alcohol from a licensee.  And, Connor says he believes their permitting covers that very well.

But, Connor says if you bring your own alcohol to such an event, that can be different.

Mayor Doug Knebel says he feels comfortable with the direction they are going on this and it covers them as best as possible.

The matter led to a fairly long discussion with many questions from the Aldermen during Monday’s meeting.  But, in the end, the City of Vandalia believes their process is the proper one for this matter.