Except in Branson’s city campground, the consumption of intoxicating beverages in the vast majority of the areas open to the public is now prohibited. The prohibition is the result of an amendment to Section 10-3 of the Branson Municipal Code (BMC) entitled “Drinking in Public” passed unanimously by Branson Board of Aldermen at its July 28 meeting on an emergency basis. The reason for the “double reading” was to have the revised ordinance in place prior to the Super Summer Cruise August 7 through 9.
The amendment was part of a comprehensive liquor control ordinance (LCO) the board removed from the Consent Agenda and postponed until its August 11 meeting. The staff report on the measure was presented by Police Chief Caroll W. McCullough who said the amendment will give the police an additional enforcement tool by which to deal with the consumption of intoxicating liquors upon property open to the public or upon a private parking lot without the permission of the owner or occupant of the property.
The discussion about the amendment and the need for having two readings on July 28, to make it effective immediately, revolved around the “car show,” which will be held prior to the board’s next meeting. One of Branson’s premier summer events, the “Super Summer Cruise,” will be held August 7-9 and features the Midnight Cruise down Highway 76 and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.
The major change incorporated into the BMC by the amendment states, “No owner or occupant of property shall permit a person to consume any intoxicating beverages” upon “their property open to the public, or upon a private parking lot without permission.” The prohibition does not apply if the public location or parking lot is covered by a special event permit issued by the Branson’s Director of Planning and Development or is “specifically authorized pursuant to a state division of alcohol and tobacco control liquor license or permit.”
One major of the effect of the new amendment will be to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating liquor in parking lots and other public areas adjacent to parade routes unless permission is given by the lawful owner or occupant of the property. Under the amendment, as adopted, it would be a violation of the BMC for the owner of such property to give such permission unless the consumption of the intoxicating beverage in those areas is authorized by a special event permit issued by the Branson’s Director of Planning and Development or by a state division of alcohol and tobacco control liquor license or permit.
The consumption of intoxicating beverages upon any public street, highway, thoroughfare, sidewalk, alley, public or private parking lot, or upon any private property without the permission of the owner or occupant of such property except when authorized by a special event permit issued by the Branson’s Director of Planning and Development or by a state division of alcohol and tobacco control liquor license or permit has been unlawful under the BMC for years. What the new amendment does is make it a violation for the owner or occupant to permit a person to unlawfully consume any intoxicating beverages in the public areas under their control.
Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.
