Update : Follow-up on the news : No Trouble at Events With Liquor Sponsors

The city has decided that allowing beer and wine makers to sponsor events at parks and beaches does not create problems.

The City Council agreed in February 1995 to a one-year trial in which manufacturers of beer and wine would sponsor events such as the Men’s Pro Beach Volleyball and Pro Beach Roller Hockey competitions.

The council set guidelines for the sponsors, and city staff worked with promoters and organizers of events to follow the rules.

Community Services Director Ron Hagan said this week that the policy has been successful. The city benefits not only from the advertising fees it receives, he said, but also from national exposure because the events are televised.

Last year there were three major events with alcoholic beverage sponsorship, Hagan said, and five are scheduled for this year.

Police have reported no problems resulting from the program, Hagan said.

“People have not brought liquor to beach because of the alcohol sponsorships,” he said, noting that, under the policy, the advertiser must include educational messages such as signs reminding people not to drink and drive.