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Some members of the Downtown Business Improvement District board expressed concern about plans for a beer garden during a downtown music festival slated for June 21.
As part of its monthly meeting Thursday morning, the board invited Allen Kohtz, owner of Electric Sky Entertainment and organizer of the festival, to discuss his plans.
Board member Barbara Clinch of Clinch Financial said she had received a letter addressed to the board from Project Extra Mile discouraging the presence of a beer garden in association with the event especially because the festival will be at least in part geared toward teenagers and young adults.
The state's dram shop/social host liability law went into effect this year, meaning the city and the downtown board could be held responsible if alcohol is distributed to minors during the event, Clinch said. It's also important to ensure that young people know they can have fun without alcohol, she said.
In the past, Clinch has been involved with Hall County Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Board members pointed out that other downtown festivals, such as the Ethnic Festival, have beer gardens without any problems. However, Clinch said the music festival would be different because of its young audience.
If it becomes too much of a concern, Kohtz told downtown board members, he could forgo the beer garden idea.
The Tank, a downtown bar, had expressed interest in organizing the beer garden, and Kohtz said he was confident the business would take all necessary measures to keep the alcohol out of the hands of minors.
Kohtz said he would continue to examine the beer garden and report back to the downtown board during its next meeting.
He also assured the board that public skateboarding would not be encouraged as part of the 12-hour festival, which will include a professional skateboarding expo, tattoo art displays and performances by 12 Nebraska bands.
The city has already approved the festival's location on Locust Street between Second and South Front streets.
While the downtown board does not have any say in whether the music festival includes a beer garden, Kohtz said he wanted the event to be well received by downtown businesses.
"My intent is to make sure everyone is comfortable with this event," Kohtz said.
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