Mayor Makes Pitch To Loosen Melrose Liquor Rules

MELROSE, MA — Mayor Paul Brodeur made his pitch to drop the city's ban on booze on property controlled by the Park Commission, potentially paving the way for alcohol sales at places like the Mount Hood golf course and the Farmer's Market.

Brodeur filed an order striking Section 173-2 from the city ordinances, language that, among other things, prohibits having alcohol on property under the purview of the Park Commission. The mayor said in a memo to the City Council the move would "spur economic development" as Melrose enters year two of the pandemic.

The city's push comes after Mass Golf Management LLC, the company that operates Mount Hood Park & Golf Course, made its most recent attempt at permission to run a beverage cart on the course. Drinking at Mount Hood is currently restricted to the clubhouse and patio.

Melrose gets 11.5 percent from food and beverage sales at Mount Hood, which would amount to about $5,700 to $7,000 extra annually with a beverage cart, based on Mass Golf Management revenue estimates.

Brodeur said one of the recommendations from his advisory group on liquor sales was to revise Section 173-2, which states:

No person shall solicit the acquaintance of any person; or utter any profane, threatening, abusive or indecent language or loud outcry; or solicit any subscription or contribution; or have possession of or drink any intoxicating liquors; or play any games of chance; or have possession of any instrument of gambling; or do any obscene or indecent act; or pray aloud or make an oration or harangue or any political speech or other canvass or solicitation in or upon any of the grounds under the control and management of the Board of Park Commissioners.

"This advisory group's message was clear, this blanket prohibition impedes certain economic development activities across the city," Brodeur wrote.

Brodeur specifically pointed out the golf course and the Melrose Farmer's Market, which is held at Bowden Park. Vendors there cannot sell alcohol under current rules, but Brodeur said some would like to.

The order will not make it a boozy free-for-all on city grounds, Brodeur argued. The Liquor Licensing Commission will still have authority over permits and allowances, and state law prohibits alcohol sales at local sporting events or school grounds.

The Park Commission recently voted to endorse revising the ordinance and Police Chief Mike Lyle said in a memo the language in the section is covered by state laws.

But some are objecting to the move. Myron Dittmer, the president of the Mount Hood Park Association dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and protection of the area, accused the Park Commission of a "serious violation of the public trust."

Dittmer has argued it's in part a safety issue. Mount Hood does not have a dedicated road to and from the clubhouse, but rather streets lined with residents.

"The safety risks far out way [sic] any small financial benefits the city would gain," he said in last month.

Brodeur's request was sent to a subcommittee, where the councilors will decide its fate. A meeting was not yet scheduled as of Tuesday morning.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.