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Opposition Heard to Allowing Alcohol on City Property in Falls City

By John Nixon

01/06/2015

(KLZA)-- On votes of 6-2 with Council members Judy Murphy and John Vaughn casting the dissenting votes Monday night, four more requests to allow special designated liquor licenses for wedding receptions at Prichard Auditorium in Falls City were given favorable comment.

Unfortunately for Bruce Walker the action was taken prior to his agenda spot to discuss allowing alcohol permits on public property in Falls City. Walker and several others spoke out against the practice. Walker said we are setting a poor example for young people.

Pastor Steven Floyd from the Nazarene Church spoke against the practice. He noted the Council has control and responsibility for what happens on City property. He asked the Council members to consider this in future votes.

Recently elected Ward III Councilman John Vaughn said he agreed and brought up a point about being in competition with private businesses. )

Chuck Smith who has spoke against liquor licenses at Prichard Auditorium several times in the past said the audit does not support a previous idea of a need to support the Auditorium by allowing events with alochol sales.

City Administrator Gary Jorn provided some history on the subject noting the liquor licenses at Prichard Auditorium first started in 2010. Since the first two were issued in 2010, there have been 52 special designated liquor licenses granted for the facility with 14 more already booked for 2015.

Jorn said you have to look at the overall good for the economy of Falls City when you consider this topic. He noted Prichard Auditorium can host on the floor about 500 people and with no other facility in Falls City available to hold that large a gathering, those events will be held out of town and that will hurt other retailers.