Covina : Alcohol Banned in Parks
The City Council has unanimously approved a ban on the consumption of alcohol in Covina parks.
Police Chief John Lentz said Covina was one of only a few area cities that do not regulate alcohol consumption in the parks. He said some panhandlers had begun to drink during the afternoon in the parks, after collecting money in the morning.
“This has caused community concern to be raised, particularly in relation to the presence of mothers and young children in the park,” the chief said.
“We won’t go looking for those drinking in the park,” he said, “but if we get any complaints, it will allow us to deal with them.”
The ordinance, effective Dec. 17, will make consuming alcoholic beverages in parks a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine or six months in jail.
Organizations will still be able to seek permits to serve alcohol at special events.
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