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Spirited discussion brews in Snowmass

John ColsonAspen, CO Colorado

SNOWMASS VILLAGE Snowmass Village wants to hear from the public about alcohol use at the popular summertime Fanny Hill concerts, movies and other events.But it’s not likely that the town council will reverse its recent controversial decision on the subject.At the Town Council meeting on March 19, public comments will be taken as part of a discussion on how to handle public consumption and sale of alcohol at the events, which are held adjacent to the Snowmass Village Mall. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in the town council chambers at Snowmass Center.The town recently learned from the Colorado Department of Revenue that the alcohol consumption policy at the events – which allows attendees to bring in beer, wine or other beverages and drink them in a picnic atmosphere – has been illegal.State law forbids the possession of open containers of alcohol in uncontrolled, public places, according the policy.In order to comply with the law, Town Attorney John Dresser and Police Chief Art Smythe concluded there could be no more BYOB (“Bring Your Own Booze”) at events. Under the new policy, patrons who want to drink alcohol will have to buy it from a vendor on the premises, under a liquor license held by the town’s marketing department.The decision brought howls of protest from fans, some of whom predicted attendance would drop considerably.Susan Hamley, director of Marketing and Special Events for Snowmass Village, said Friday that she will give a presentation on March 19, about “what we’re going to do next.”Some of the ideas, she said, include a bar, or perhaps two, at one side or both sides of the Fanny Hill stage, where beer and wine could be purchased. Although the details are still in flux, she mentioned $2 servings of beer and wine, insisting, “We’re not trying to make any money here.” She said there also might be barkers, “just like at baseball games,” wandering through the crowd selling beer or wine.Other issues, such as what is to be done with booze confiscated at the gate to the event, are still being examined, Hamley said.Hamley said the marketing board has been doing research on the issue, looking for “viable opportunities that are legal … to keep the event as it has been,” but that none have been found.If something turns up before the Monday meeting, it will be included in her presentation, Hamley said.John Colson’s e-mail address is jcolson@aspentimes.com