A proposed amendment to Chapter 15 of the Tamarac Code that would have allowed the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages at city parks and facilities failed during first reading at the April 23 commission meeting.

The ordinance, as drafted for first reading, would have allowed sales and service subject to permitting and vendor requirements. Acting Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Petrone told the commission staff had surveyed comparable cities and that many permit alcohol at selected events. Staff said outside organizers would need a state alcohol license, liability insurance naming the city as additional insured, and security and sanitation plans for permitted events.

During public comment, multiple residents urged the commission not to expand alcohol sales at family‑oriented city events. Concerns raised included underage drinking, enforcement challenges, the presence of children at parks and the potential for increased liability. Commissioners discussed limiting alcohol to adult‑oriented events and adding guardrails such as vendor vetting, wristbands and limiting beverage types, but ultimately the ordinance failed on a 5–0 roll call recorded as opposed.

Why it matters: The vote preserves the current policy that allows private functions to serve alcohol with permission and insurance but does not authorize routine on‑site sale by vendors at city events. Staff may still issue event permits on a case‑by‑case basis under existing procedures; the ordinance would have created broader standing authorization.

Implementation notes: Staff said outside organizers seeking to serve alcohol would still be required to complete special-event permitting and secure any state licenses and insurance required by law. The commission did not adopt additional code language and no changes to permitting practice were approved.