Debate Arises Over Sale of Alcohol On City Property

What began as a public discussion about allowing a non-profit organization to sell alcohol during a fundraising event quickly became a contentious debate among city council and a group of concerned Easley residents Tuesday night.

The Pickens County Cancer Association is a local non-profit organization that aims to help county residents afford added expenses while they are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

Things like the cost of transportation, prescription medications, doctor co-pays and durable medical equipment can add up quickly while receiving treatments, Executive Director Cynthia Smoak told city council members when she asked them to consider permitting the sale of alcohol during an upcoming barbecue fundraiser during a meeting in December.

Smoak told the council that her research has indicated the organization could raise an additional $7,000- $10,000 through alcohol sales.

Before an ordinance is proposed, city officials reviewed the policies other cities like Greenville and Mauldin have in place. City Administrator Fox Simons gave a presentation on the findings and explained that only one of the five public spaces would allow for events that involved alcohol consumption- Old Market Square.

The locations where the city will not allow alcohol consumption are the Easley Crossing parking lot, West End Hall, the City Fountain/Christopherson Gazebo, and the Easley City Hall parking lot. Liquor consumption would not be permitted at any location.

Permits would only be granted to non-profit organizations or businesses who are partnered with non-profit organizations. The organizations would be required to have a S.C. ABC permit, post signs designating the areas for alcohol consumption, meet state insurance requirements, sell wristbands, and pay for the cost of having off-duty police officers to supervise the event.

A group of approximately 25 concerned residents attended the meeting Tuesday night to voice their disapproval of any ordinance that would allow the sale of alcohol on city property.

"I just don't want my family to be submitted to this if we come to a function downtown," Keith Galloway said. "I don't want my girls around it."

Galloway said he understands there are bars and restaurants in the city that already serve alcohol. He also said explained that he takes his family to Applebees where alcohol is served but feels that it's easier to stay away from that activity at the restaurant.

"This is not good for our city, Larry," Galloway said. "This is not the direction we need to head."

Galloway said the Piedmont Baptist Association has agreed to provide additional entertainment at the event if the organizers agree to not serve alcohol.

"What she's doing is commendable, it's absolutely commendable," Galloway said. "The problem is when you open the door, the floodgates will come down."

Phillip Griffin told the council that he has been a cancer patient for the past seven years and a recovering alcoholic.

"I don't want no help from the sale of alcohol even though I may have to have some help down the road for my cancer treatments, but I don't want it this way," Griffin said. "I don't want it through alcohol."

Councilman David Watson recommended that the barbecue fundraiser have a separate tent where beer and wine would be served rather than allowing alcohol consumption throughout Old Market Square.

Councilman Brian Garrison told the crowd that Smoak's organization was not the first to request permission to sell alcohol on city property, nor did he feel it would be the last.

Mayor Bagwell reminded all in attendance at Tuesday's meeting that an ordinance had not been proposed and that the meeting was to discuss the possibilities.

City council will continue to review the proposal and plans to revisit the issue during the February meeting.