Holmdel keeps ban on alcohol at twp. property Committee decides to halt exceptions to current ordinance BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer HOLMDEL - The Township Committee recently weighed the pros and cons of serving alcohol on township property when facilities are rented out for private events. A motion to maintain the current ordinance prohibiting alcohol consumption on township property, with no exceptions to the ordinance, was approved by the committee at the May 1 meeting. "Personally, I think we can ban alcohol on town property," Committeewoman Janet Berk said at the May 1 meeting. "But if we are going to continue to make exceptions, we need to revisit this." In accordance with a township ordinance, possession and consumption of alcohol is currently prohibited in public places.After theMay 1 committeemeeting, no exceptions will be made to this rule. The ordinance states, "It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, serve, sell, dispense, drink or consume any alcoholic beverage on a public street, alley, road, sidewalk, public parking lot or any other public property or public area within the township." However, the sale and consumption of alcohol is permitted at the PNC BankArts Center because the New Jersey Turnpike Authority owns the venue. Prior to the May 1 meeting, established groups in the township, such as Kiwanis and Friends of Holmdel Open Space (FOHOS), would petition the Township Committee and the committee would then make a decision on whether or not to allow alcoholic beverages on township property on a case-by-case basis. "Really, Kiwanis doesn't even ask for alcohol to be served at their picnics anymore, and the Friends of Holmdel Open Space had asked for alcohol to be served prior to this decision," said Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso in an interview last week. "If the township moves in a direction to allow Bayonet Farm to be rented out, then the township will amend the ordinance. Until then, we are not going to make exceptions." Township-owned properties that were discussed were Bayonet and Cross Farms and the Senior/Community Center. "One of the draws to Bayonet Farm is that alcohol can be allowed there," said Di- Maso. "If someone wants to have their wedding there, it's a factor." DiMaso cited making exceptions at that venue for revenue-building purposes and for the nonprofit's sustainability. The committee agreed that revenues need to be brought into town, but were divided on the matter of serving alcohol at other township venues. "You can have a good time without alcohol," said Committeeman Rocco Pascucci. "Bayonet Farmis different; it is like a catering place. By allowing alcohol in other parts of town on township property, we are saying you can drink in Holmdel, and I don't think we should be in the business." Committeeman Larry Fink also addressed the aspect of revenues. "I am uncomfortable chasing away revenue opportunities. It is a permissive type of thing that cannot compare to PNC," he said. "I am not aware of any problems that we have had on township property involving alcohol and I think that having a responsible server is key." "It is a contradiction to continue on a case-by-case basis," Committeeman Alan Bateman said. "I personally don't think it is a role we should be playing, making decisions on your health's behalf." Berk maintained that some type of rule must apply to the case-by-case examinations. Pascucci made a motion to keep the ordinance the way it already reads and allow no exceptions. The motion passed. The discussion ended on a lighter note with Committeeman Fink addressing his positive position on the alcohol issue, adding, "By the way, I'm really not a heavy drinker."