Hopewell Township no longer has a complete prohibition of alcoholic beverages in a township park such as Woolsey Park.
Currently, people are prohibited from consuming, bringing, buying or selling alcoholic beverages in a park or recreation area.
On June 10, Township Committee members voted “yes” to amending an ordinance regulating alcoholic beverages to allow for an organized event or social function to sell and consume alcoholic beverages after receiving prior permission from the Township Committee and a permit from the director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
“This ordinance will allow the sale of beer and wine,” said Township Administrator George Snyder, who said the amendment of the ordinance seeks to increase participation at events.
Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning explained that the amendment will be conjunction with a temporary activities permit.
“We had a request for this [change] and [it] is something that has been thought about for a long time,” she said.
Committeeman Michael Ruger said he liked that the Township Committee was moving forward with amending the ordinance.
“I do think in conjunction with the bandshell it is going to increase getting people out and possibly increase revenue for our organizations (nonprofits and such) and bring in other people,” Ruger said of events at Woolsey Park.
Additionally, the Township Committee also adopted an ordinance establishing new rules, guideline regulations and the fee for renting the bandshell and stage. Snyder noted he had received requests to rent the bandshell.
“I’m excited about this,” Ruger said. “I think it is one more thing toward use of the bandshell. It is another way of increasing use.”
Some of the guidelines include the completion of a rental agreement and permit submitted; certificate of insurance; and 100% of the estimated total cost cannot be paid later than three weeks prior to the rental date.
The bandshell’s occupancy is limited to 10 people with the band and equipment; permits will be given on a first come first serve basis determined by the Recreation Department and Hopewell Township sponsored events will be given priority; renters of the bandshell have to pay a $500 security deposit when they reserve; and those renting the bandshell and stage must clean up after their event.
