Alcohol Remains Banned at Brentwood Park

A ban on alcohol at remains in place after the Brentwood Public Works Committee rejected a measure that would have allowed its presence during adult softball games.

At a meeting on Wednesday, Aldermen Andy Leahy (Ward 3) and Lee Wynn (Ward 2) voted to keep the ban in place, while Keith Robertson (Ward 3) voted to remove the ban. The fourth committee member, Ward 2 Alderman Mike Marshall, was absent.

"There are plenty of places to drink. I don't see why you need to mix alcohol and baseball," Wynn said. "It's nice and family-oriented. Let's keep it that way."

Robertson countered that the city should trust adults to behave appropriately.

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The vote ends a debate that started two months ago.

At a December meeting, Jim Patterson, a Brentwood resident who lives on Hilldale Avenue, asked the committee to permit alcohol at the park. He said the games function more as social gatherings than sports competitions.

That prompted the to distribute a four-question survey to gather thoughts on the issue. The city received 168 responses, notes a staff memo from Feb. 8.

The surveys were non-scientific—as individuals were able to vote multiple times—but provided respondents the opportunity to share their opinions on the issue, the memo notes.

The first question asked if the city should allow alcohol at Brentwood Park for city-sponsored events (including adult softball leagues), and 109 respondents voted yes, 57 voted no and two were unsure.

Most voters who commented opposed lifting the ban, however. Nearby residents shared safety and noise concerns, and suggested the leagues would promote underage drinking.

Others noted that the city allows alcohol during other events, like the summer concert series.