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Tampa Council Blocks Alcohol Sales At Ballast Point Park

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By MARK HOLAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 8, 2008

TAMPA - The Tampa City Council tonight blocked the Taste of Boston restaurant in Ballast Point Park from applying for a permit to sell beer and wine.

The council unanimously rejected the parks and recreation department's request to rezone the property it leases to George Illes, who has operated the New England-style seafood and ice cream restaurant since 2004.

Without the rezoning, Illes can't apply for the alcohol permit.

He said after the vote that he will continue to operate his restaurant, which sits next to the Ballast Point Pier and a playground.

"It's my livelihood," he said.

Alcohol sales typically are prohibited in Tampa parks, though nonprofit groups can apply to the council for temporary alcohol permits for special events.

A few Ballast Point residents at the meeting said it isn't good for children to see adults drinking alcohol.

"It's a family park and that's what we want it to remain," said K.L. Smith, adding that about 100 people signed his petition against alcohol sales.

Illes said he collected nearly 600 signatures in favor of alcohol sales.

City planner Tom Johnson said beer and wine sales are allowed at Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium, which also attract children.

The police department did not object to alcohol sales at Ballast Point in South Tampa.

Several council members expressed concern about the parks department's request to allow alcohol sales in other parks. The department wants to rezone Ragan Park, 1200 E. Lake Ave., and Seminole Garden Center, 5800 Central Ave., so the facilities can be more competitive attracting rentals by allowing caterers to serve alcohol.

"We are having a very difficult time keeping concessions and restaurants viable," Johnson said.

Councilman Charlie Miranda wasn't buying it.

"It's a bad precedent," he said. "This is headed in the wrong direction."

The council agreed to discuss the policy and what might happen at the other parks later.

"I want Tampa to be like other great cities," said Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena, citing public parks in New York, Chicago and Paris that allow alcohol sales. "I believe we are a people capable of being a civilized people."

"I wish we were more like Europe," Councilwoman Mary Mulhern replied, "but we're not."

Reporter Mark Holan can be reached at (813) 835-2102 or mholan@tampatrib.com.

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