Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Administrative Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Frank S. Reeb, Administrative Services Director/City Clerk
DATE:	May 28, 2009
RE:	Lawrence Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Request for Alcohol Beverages at Friday Night Street Sprint Bike Event

Staff recently received a request from the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, requesting the Commission to authorize the temporary, sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages as part of the July 3^rd Street Sprint bike race in Downtown Lawrence.  The bike race is related to the Tour of Lawrence scheduled for July 4-5.  Specifically, the event organizers are requesting permission to sell, and for spectators to possess and consume, alcoholic beverages on the south half of the 600 block of Massachusetts and the north half of the 700 block of Massachusetts (see attached map) on July 3, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. 

The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on public property is prohibited by City Code. However, City Code section 4-105(E) allows the City to exempt, by ordinance, specified City property from the prohibition of alcoholic beverages on public property. Therefore, an ordinance allowing the possession and consumption is required.  Ordinance No. 8414 is attached for the Commission’s consideration.  Section 1 of Ordinance No. 8414, specifically, authorizes the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on July 3, 2009 on the south half of the 600 block of Massachusetts and the north half of the 700 block of Massachusetts from 5:00 p.m. to midnight, provided such possession and consumption is otherwise pursuant to the Code of the City of Lawrence, Kansas and the laws of the State of Kansas.

Staff recommends the Commission adopt, on first reading, Ordinance 8414, authorizing the temporary sale, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the specified city property.