Boerne Lake ‘booze ban’ gets council nod

Trash, rowdiness at city lake prompts need for ban on alcoholic beverages

BY JEFF B. FLINN Managing Editor

An increase in trash, litter and rowdiness prompted the city of Boerne to ban alcohol at Boerne City Lake.

The issue, up for a second reading at City Council’s January 9 meeting, will add the lake to the city’s existing alcoholic beverage ban, in effect at baseball fields, skate parks and the city pool.

“The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages within athletic field areas, their perimeter fences, skate parks, pool and Boerne City Lake shall be prohibited,” Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez read to council at its December 12 meeting.

Council unanimously voted to add “Boerne City Lake” to the ordinance’s wording after Jimenez spelled out the issues faced by parks and rec -- and police department -- staff.

“Boerne City Lake is a cherished destination, for families and individuals who are looking for a peaceful and enjoyable recreational area to visit,” Jimenez said. But an increase in visitation in recent years “has led to … a decline in the overall atmosphere of the park,” prompting the city to consider changes.

The proposed alcohol ban, she said, “represents a step toward restoring what Boerne Lake is here for -- tranquility, safety, a family-friendly atmosphere.”

Jimenez specified visitation on the park’s three busiest holidays -- Easter, Fourth of July and Labor Day.

“Naturally, an increase in visitors brings other concerns; trash and litter, disorderly conduct, and safety concerns,” she said. “I think it’s clear that … residents are not going to the lake, because of the crowds that are present. The family-centric environment has been impacted.”

Councilman Dr. Joseph Macaluso said he applauded the plan, but asked how the city plans to enforce it.

“We needed to collaborate with police because we know we can’t do it all. And we know that we can’t do this if we don’t have their support,” Jimenez said.

Police Chief Steve Perez said once the ordinance is adopted, the department confers with the city prosecutor to see what needs to be done for citations to be issued.

“The intent is not to put a person there to search every car, person or ice chest,” Perez said. “The law will be put out for everyone to follow, as with any law.”

Perez said as officers are made aware of a possible violation – whether called to a scene or by witnessing it themselves -- “if they are pretty open about it, we will give them a warning at first,” he said.

“If it’s ignored or they continue to (the violation), that’s when a citation will follow, and then probably, at that point, we’d just have them removed,” he said.

Chris Shadrock city director of communications, said Boerne’s police and parks and recreation departments increase their presence during the summer and on holiday weekends, when larger crowds show up.

“We anticipate there will be no impacts to staffing levels at the lake,” Shadrock said.

Shadrock said to expect the item to be on council’s January 9 agenda for passage. Then the new rule will go into effect.