Lake Forest Municipal Code Ch. 13.03 Alcoholic Beverages in Public Parks, Recreational Facilities, And…

A. No person shall possess an alcoholic beverage in a public park, recreational facility, or recreational area when the bottle, can, or other receptacle has been opened, the seal has been broken, or the contents have been partially or wholly removed except as permitted by this chapter or pursuant to a special event permit, as provided in Chapter 5.05. The provisions of this subsection A do not apply when an individual is in possession of an alcoholic beverage container for the purpose of recycling or other related activity.

B. No person shall consume any alcoholic beverage within any public park, recreational facility, or recreational area except as permitted by this chapter or pursuant to a special event permit, as provided in Chapter 5.05.

(Ord. 318 § 4, 2019)

Any use of a public park, recreational facility, or recreational area scheduled for City-sponsored or City co-sponsored uses shall be deemed a use for City purposes, and shall be exempt from fees, deposits, and permit requirements as listed in this chapter. Such determination of which uses shall be exempt shall be made by the City Manager. This exemption shall not apply to vendors present at City-sponsored or City co-sponsored events occurring at or on a public park, recreational facility, or recreational area.

(Ord. 318 § 4, 2019)

Alcoholic beverages may be dispensed and consumed in the Community Center, Senior Center, Performing Arts Center, and other recreational facilities and recreational areas within the Community Services Director's discretion and as approved as part of the facility use application when these facilities are being used for private parties. Alcoholic beverages may also be sold and consumed in these facilities for commercial uses and organizational fund-raising activities pursuant to an alcoholic beverage permit obtained through the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The facilities where alcoholic beverages may be dispensed pursuant to an alcoholic beverage permit shall be maintained in an administrative policy that implements the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 318 § 4, 2019; Ord. 358 § 12, 2022)

A. Prior to an event at which alcoholic beverages will be served, as permitted in this chapter, the applicant shall obtain approval from the City to do so. Questions related to serving or sales of alcohol shall be included in the facility use application as provided by the Community Services Department. The applicant shall also pay a fee in addition to any building rental fee to serve or sell alcohol. Such fee shall be determined pursuant to the Master Fee Schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council. The applicant shall also obtain any permit or license required by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control prior to dispensing or consuming alcohol at any recreational facility or recreational area as permitted in this chapter.

B. The Community Services Director shall have the discretion to approve or deny an application for an alcoholic beverage permit, based on cause, and shall also have the discretion to impose conditions of approval upon the alcoholic beverage permit. The Community Services Director may deny an alcoholic beverage permit based on any of the following, without limitation:

1. The applicant is not at least 21 years of age;

2. The application contains materially false or intentionally misleading information;

3. The applicant has previously violated conditions of an alcoholic beverage permit or any administrative rule, policy, or regulation that implements the provisions of this chapter;

4. The applicant cannot meet all of the City's administrative rules, policies, or regulations that implements the provisions of this chapter or cannot otherwise comply with any applicable Federal, State, or local law; or

5. Approval of the permit would have a substantial adverse impact on the health, safety, or welfare of the general public.

C. Any decision by the Community Services Director relating to an alcoholic beverage permit may be appealed to the City Manager within seven days of the Director's decision by filing with the City Clerk a written appeal setting forth the grounds for the appeal, along with payment of the City's appeal fee, which shall be established by City Council resolution. Within 14 days of receiving a complete appeal application and proof of applicant's payment of the appeal fee, the City Manager shall render a written decision on the appeal, which shall be delivered to the applicant within seven days of the City Manager's decision. The City Manager's decision shall be final.

(Ord. 318 § 4, 2019; Ord. 358 § 13, 2022)

Alcoholic beverages shall not be allowed, and a permit shall not be issued for any function where alcohol will be served in a recreational facility or recreational area primarily designated for people under the age of 21 years.

(Ord. 318 § 4, 2019)

The Community Services Director shall create and maintain an administrative policy that implements the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 318 § 4, 2019)