Beer ban weighed at 'Alive' events

Rash of DWI arrests raises issue about sales at Albany summer series

Published on 9/16/2008 by the Times Union written by TIM O'BRIEN, Staff writer

ALBANY -- In the wake of a spate of drunken-driving arrests after an Alive at Five concert, one Common Council member wants to ban the beer.

Dominick Calsolaro proposed a resolution Monday that would stop the city's sales of alcoholic beverages at the summer staple.

Albany County District Attorney David Soares announced last month that 32 people were arrested on drunken-driving charges one Thursday night after the concert. Some acknowledged drinking at the summer concert series, Soares said at the time, and he called for alcoholic beverages to be barred there.

Calsolaro agreed that something has to be done.

"We tell our children the dangers of alcohol, yet here we in the city government are selling alcohol to people you know are driving to the event and you know will be driving away from the event," Calsolaro said.

Several years ago, the city stopped allowing people to bring their own coolers to the event. Calsolaro noted beer sales stop 15 minutes before the concert ends, but he said some of those arrested had contended their last drink was at the concert -- and they were still drunk hours later.

Richard Conti, the council's president pro tempore, did not take a stand on the issue. But he said the discussion should not be limited only to Alive at Five. Alcohol is also sold at the Tulip Festival, Larkfest, the Latin Festival and other city events.

Tom Scarff, a Democratic committee member and president of the food and restaurant workers union in Albany, spoke in opposition to a ban. People should be held personally responsible for their actions, he said.

"One of the things happening in this country is people can't have fun any more," he said. "They can't drink responsibly so we have to tell them they can't drink."

Scarff said he did favor one part of Calsolaro's proposal, which called for increased education on drunken driving.

The Common Council will discuss the proposed ban at its Oct. 1 caucus, Conti said. The session will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the City Court room on the second floor of City Hall.

Tim O'Brien can be reached at 454-5092 or by e-mail at tobrien@timesunion.com.