Commission Meeting Agenda Item

The Parks and Recreation Department is asking for direction on allowing alcohol on the premises for events at the Community Building. Since the Town will be competing with other municipalities that have similar building rentals, we may fall short as our current ordinance does not allow alcohol on premises.

Leesburg, Eustis, Wildwood, and Tavares have policies that allow alcoholic beverages to be offered at their facilities; only Ocala does not allow alcohol.

• Wildwood requires an additional fee for a police presence while alcohol is served.
• Leesburg requires the caterer to provide and serve alcoholic beverages.
• Eustis charges a higher deposit and insurance when alcohol is being offered.
• Tavares’ policy is similar to Eustis’ policy.

The goal would be to charge higher fees for the Community Building on Friday and Saturday. It is my belief that we will have to serve the wedding reception and social gathering market in order to rent the building for a higher fee and be competitive with other municipalities.

I would be seeking to rent the building for $275.00 for all day Friday. On Saturday, I would ask $200.00 for the morning, and $275.00 for the evening, with the option of $375.00 for the entire day. See attached for our current fees.

I am asking for consideration for this opportunity as at a population of over 16,000 residents, many municipalities this size celebrate the 4^th every year with fireworks.