Alcohol at the party?

Lehighton Borough Council has no plans to sell alcohol at the town's Recreation Center, but it is considering allowing individuals to bring it on the premises for private parties and other special events.

Scott Rehrig, vice president of the council, remarked that requests have been made to hold large parties at the center whereby people could bring their own "booze."

Not all council members are ready to accept such a concept.

"I don't think that's a good idea," remarked Bessie Bauchspies.

"The Recreation Center is for children," commented Melissa Ebbert, who added that allowing alcohol is somewhat of an oxymoron.

Rehrig countered, "It's recreation, but it could be rented for anything."

The Recreation Center, also called the Community Center, already is utilized for more than just recreation. It is used as a voting district, for meetings, and sometimes for parties.

Presently in Lehighton, no alcohol is permitted at any borough park. The building is located at Baer Memorial Park.

One of the questions that was raised is whether allowing people to bring alcohol to the building for private events would increase liability insurance rates.

Rehrig said Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall allows alcohol. It was reported that the Memorial Hall has a license for some alcohol and permits alcoholic beverages to be brought to the premises for such things as banquets and weddings.

President of Council Grant Hunsicker suggested that the borough check with its insurance carrier before taking any action on changing the rules at the recreation center.