Legislation would allow concertgoers to legally carry in alcoholic beverages

Madison – A bill authored by Rep. Leon D. Young (D-Milwaukee) that would allow concert goers of popular Milwaukee events such as Jazz in the Park and River Rhythms to legally carry-in beverage has passed the State Senate. Current state law makes the practice of carrying beverages illegal because the festival organizers hold Class B liquor licenses. This legislation gives festival organizers the authority to create their own carry-in beverage policies.

Prior to last summer’s festival season, organizers of Jazz in the Park have allowed patrons to carry in their own alcoholic beverages without incident. However, The East Town Association was notified that this practice was illegal. In addition, it the Milwaukee Police Department has not been clear on whether they will enforce this law.

“Jazz in the Park and River Rhythms are fantastic events that bring our community together,” stated Rep. Young. “The confusion surrounding carry-in beverages is unfortunate, and I applaud my colleagues on taking the necessary step to rectify it.” The legislation would create and exemption for Jazz in the Park and any other events and festivals if the licenses premises are in a park within a first class city.

“Organizers of our many popular festivals here in Milwaukee know what works for their events,” said Rep. Young. “Their careful and thoughtful planning allowed these events to continue incident free for years. We should allow them to decide whether patrons can carryin alcoholic beverages.”

The bill was passed out of the State Assembly last summer and now awaits to be signed into law by the Governor.

Popular Interests In This Article: Alcohol, Jazz, Jazz in the Park, Leon D Young, River Rythms