COUNCIL will lift the alcohol ban in Belmore Park for the 'Pictures and Popcorn in the Park' event on November 12.
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But councillor Carol James says allowing beer in the usually alcohol-free area will discourage families and teens from coming.
'Pictures and Popcorn' is a two-movie event that is part of the wider Spring Event Series, from September 1 to November 30.
The first screening will be held on the opening weekend, September 3, with child-friendly activities, an 'Eat Street' and a family movie.
The second, on November 12, has a more targeted Night Market and Eat Street of local producers and artisans for adult tastes.
The council's coordinator of marketing and events, Jessica Price, recommended the alcohol-free zoning be waived between 5pm and 11pm for the November 12 event, in a report at Tuesday's meeting.
Ms Price sought permission to apply for the appropriate liquor licence through the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.
"Planning for the 2016 Pictures and Popcorn in the Park events is currently underway," she wrote. "This follows the success of the inaugural event held in October 2015, which was voted the most popular 2015 community event in a Goulburn Post online poll."
Licensing Inspector Senior Constable Phillip Anderson and Chief Inspector John Sheehan from the Hume LAC had discussed the temporary rezoning and agreed to support her application, she said.
But Cr James argued against the move. She said if people could go to the regular cinema and eat popcorn with soft drink, there was no need to add beer to this event's mix.
"I'm all for community events, but I'm not too keen to waive the ban," she said. "It's not a good look and sends a mixed message.
"We can't exclude parents or teenagers. I don't see why it has to be popcorn and beer."
Cr Margaret O'Neill echoed her concerns, citing Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) regulations, and said the council should explore contracted security for the event if the ban was lifted.
Cr Alfie Walker was hesitant to approve the waiver but, having been to the event in 2015, was satisfied it could be run safely. "I saw how they were able to control it. It was very efficient," he said.
Mayor Geoff Kettle and Cr Bob Kirk were in support of the waiver.
"I will be voting for this," Cr Kettle said. "The staff and police did a fantastic job last year. There were no incidents."
"I thought it was quite a good event," Cr Kirk said. "I don't have a problem if it's well policed; the evidence seems to be that it was."
The council's director of growth, strategy and culture, Louise Wakefield, said that, as per the state's limited licensing requirements, alcohol would only be consumed within strict trading hours and only within the "grassed area at the front of the park".
Ms Price said attendees' responsible behaviour last year should speed the waiver. Councillors approved the recommendation.