You’ll be able to have a beer or glass of wine at future special events at Arlington County’s Long Bridge Park and Penrose Square.
The Arlington County Board earlier this month added the two parks to the list of parks where alcohol will be allowed to be sold and consumed. Long Bridge Park is north of Crystal City, adjacent to Interstate 395, while Penrose Square is on Columbia Pike in Arlington Village.
The county already allows limited sales of alcohol at special events at Fort C.F. Smith Park, Gateway Park, and Clarendon Central Park. Those events require special event permits and Alcohol Beverage Control permits. The Arlington Special Events Committee “typically considers the size, time, duration, staffing levels, and type of alcohol being served when reviewing permit applications for special events serving alcohol.”
A staff report to the Arlington County Board says Long Bridge Park and Penrose Square both have a history of hosting events.
“Additionally, it is anticipated that Penrose Square will be expanded in the near future, which will enhance its ability to host special events,” the memo to the board from Ryan Delaney of the Department of Parks and Recreation says.
Delaney says public feedback received last fall turned out to be very nuanced.
“Many supported this change, and some felt the County should explore further expansion of the sale and consumption of alcohol and other concessions in County parks than what is currently proposed. Commenters opposed to the change cited concerns regarding the increased noise, potential damage to park property, unruly behavior, and a negative impact to the public’s safety and ability to enjoy parks. Much of the negative feedback received is related to issues the special events process is designed to control for and mitigate, which it currently does successfully for permitted special events at County parks and other public spaces,” the report says.
The National Landing Business Improvement District, which represents the business community in Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard, supported the move. The district has been holding events with beer and wine on private property for the last 15 years.
In a letter to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, president and executive director of the organization said, “The BID is eager to bring world-class programming and major events to Long Bridge Park including a signature National Cherry Blossom Festival event in April 2023. Approving the proposed change to the County Code to enable the serving of beer and wine at Long Bridge Park is an important step toward achieving that goal.”
The change is not anticipated to impact the county’s operating budget but could cost Arlington more through “increased park maintenance, staff resources, and police support” in the future.
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