Zelienople managed to both allay concerns and fulfill its intended purpose when passing an open-container ban for parts of the borough this week.

In a Monday vote, Zelienople’s borough council approved an ordinance that forbids the carrying or consumption of alcoholic beverages in parks, playgrounds, recreation areas, ballfields, parking lots or commons that are owned and maintained by the borough.

Although there had previously been concern on the matter — especially as to how businesses already suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic could be affected — there’s nothing out of the ordinary in the ordinance.

Other than Erie — where it’s legal to drink alcohol in public parks — most municipalities in Pennsylvania have fairly strict rules regarding open containers.

Also, there’s not much of an argument to be made that alcohol should be allowed near places such as playgrounds or ballfields, where young people congregate.

Borough council also made the right move by allowing exceptions to the rules, which should ease the minds of those fearing the affects on businesses. In fact, no opposition was made during the vote on Monday.

A second ordinance that was adopted covers public event permits and includes a liability insurance requirement for events where alcohol is sold.

The original proposal for the ordinance forbade alcoholic beverages on all public areas in the borough. Now, provisions would only apply to borough-owned property.

Exceptions to the rules would allow for businesses and individuals to apply for a permit with the chief of police to sell or consume alcohol on property owned by the borough. This could apply to public events, such as a festival or performance, where alcohol is typically sold.

There are size limitations for the beverages allowed during such events as well as a permit fee, but this seems reasonable. Also, borough council approved a rule to require proof of liquor liability insurance before selling alcohol at an event on borough property.

As previously reported in the Eagle, Zelienople’s police chief, Jim Miller, noted the ordinance’s primary purpose was to limit the borough’s legal exposure in incidents where alcohol was consumed on public property.

With the ordinances passed Monday by borough council, this was likely achieved. The borough was able to set limitations about alcohol consumption in places where it typically has no business being consumed, while at the same time not putting further strain on businesses during an economically challenging time.

The rules passed this week appear to have been fair to all interested parties.

— NCD