Council declines to pursue changes allowing alcohol vending in Waterfront Park events

Port Richey 2D Council members on Tuesday said they do not want to open Waterfront Park to vendors selling alcohol after an events-committee recommendation was discussed.

Staff explained the events committee had asked whether a vendor that sells craft moonshine or other alcoholic products could participate in the seafood festival and whether the code provides a path for a temporary permit. "It sounds like to me, no alcohol at all in the park," one staff presenter said during the discussion. Several council members expressed concerns about children, setting precedent and competition with nearby bars and restaurants.

Council ultimately instructed the events committee and staff not to place an amendment on the agenda at this time. Staff reported the seafood festival will proceed March 14 with a separate children27s area and vendor lineup; the events committee will finalize logistics without pursuing an alcohol-vendor path unless council directs otherwise.

What happens next: staff will report to the events committee that council has no appetite to pursue alcohol sales in the park and will continue festival planning under existing code.