Burleson City Council votes to limit alcohol sales at youth sports complex
The Burleson City Council approved an amended alcohol sales policy for the Chisenhall Fields Sports Complex, putting to rest fears about mixing alcohol and youth sports.
Following a Nov. 3 vote to allow alcohol sales at Chisenhall Fields, a popular venue for youth baseball and softball games and tournaments on Hidden Creek Parkway, the council convened on Nov. 17 to fine tune the policy.
After a brief discussion, council members agreed to prohibit alcohol sales during any sporting event at the ball fields. Alcohol can be sold during special events, like Burleson’s annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks show, but only with council approval.
Originally, the policy would have allowed for alcohol at special events as well as at baseball and softball tournaments geared toward adults and children aged 13 and up. Under the old policy, alcohol sales were still prohibited during Burleson Youth Association ball games or practices.
Despite that, the decision to sell alcohol during any events at Chisenhall Fields outraged some Burleson parents.
Likewise, Councilmember Phil Anderson, a former coach and athletic director for the Burleson school district, has been an outspoken opponent of alcohol at Chisenhall Fields.
“I’m totally against it. Keep alcohol out of there,” he reiterated Monday night.
In the end, the council found common ground with a policy that allows for alcohol sales in a very limited capacity with city oversight.
The debate over selling alcohol sprang up as Burleson prepared to enter into an agreement with Sports Facilities Companies to manage Chisenhall Fields and its concessions. The city and SFC signed the contract on Oct. 6.
SFC’s responsibilities include attracting new events and tournaments to Chisenhall Fields, with the city profiting from concession sales and other revenue.
On Monday, Deputy City Manager Eric Oscarson presented figures that showed alcohol sales at a limited number of baseball and softball tournaments for adults and youth aged 13 and up would have brought in an estimated $360,000 over five years.