City requires hired security at events with alcohol

The city of Jacksboro amended an ordinance regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages on city-owned property to now require hired security at large events.

The ordinance was amended Monday, June 8, at the request of Jacksboro Police Chief Jerry Penny.

"Most cities have [an ordinance] where if alcohol is being served they have to have a police officer present," Penny said.

Under the ordinance, anyone renting a facility on city-owned property with plans to consume alcohol on-site must first obtain a special use permit issued by the city.

The previous version of the ordinance stated security may be required for some public or private events in which alcohol was present. The amendment now requires security to be provided by a certified Texas peace officer for events with more than 100 people in attendance. 

An additional officer must be hired and on-site for every 50 people over 100 when alcohol is present. For example, an event with 300 guests and alcohol present would require a total of five officers.

"For me, honestly, 50 is when you should have an officer present because 100 people is a lot for one officer to handle," Penny said. "But I also know we have to work with people because we want them to keep using our facilities and have a good time. I think this is a good compromise."

Jacksboro City Manager Mike Smith said local police officers had a right and a duty to check on events held on city property and could shut down any event for not having a valid permit or for unruly conduct.

Most issues have come from events held at the lake. While the city does not own the county fair barn, it does own the property it sits on and the facility is therefore subject to the city's ordinance.

"The last trouble we had out there was one that didn't have any officers — there were close to 300 people there," Penny said. "Apparently there were 14-year-old kids running around with alcohol and there was a gun involved in the parking lot."

Penny said that along with help from county deputies, his officers did check in on events, but a designated officer hired specifically for large events was necessary to help keep the peace.

The city council agreed with the change, saying it could help protect the city from liability if something were to go wrong during an event.

Council member Libby Gonzales said she hoped the changes would help shape the culture in Jacksboro.

"We've had large events with more than 300 people and our mentality is we don't want that event shut down," Gonzales said. "Maybe we educate people who are renting our venues and say, 'In order for your event to not get shut down, this is what you need to do.'"

Penny agreed, adding that the ordinance put the responsibility on the person or organization holding the event.

"Whenever we have those super-large parties, that's when stuff has been getting out of hand," Penny said. "[With the ordinance in place], the people who are putting it on are taking responsibility usually and watching what's going on."

Council member Joe Logan, a Jack County sheriff's deputy, abstained from the vote due to a possible conflict of interest.