Chamizal Officials Hear Opinions On Possible Alcohol Ban

Drunken brawls, intoxicated teens and even indecent exposure are the types of issues officials at the Chamizal National Park reportedly face during summer months and they said the incidents are getting out of control.

On Saturday, park authorities heard feedback from the El Paso community about a possible park-wide ban on alcohol.

The proposal has caused controversy among parkgoers because of how it would impact the Music Under The Stars concert series. Some said it’s a family event, so alcohol shouldn’t be involved. “If your intention to come out on a Sunday evening is to get drunk, stay home! Stay home, do it in your backyard,” Bonita Tate said at the meeting.

But others said alcohol consumption is a matter of personal responsibility.

As it stands now, alcohol is permitted as long as it’s not in a glass container.

The ban would only apply to the summer months — June through August.

Park officials said growing attendance has made crowds more difficult to control. Ninety-percent of reported incidents in the summer are alcohol-related, according to park authorities.

One of the alternatives considered at the meeting was to designate a special area in the park just for those drinking alcohol.

“Even last year we had (at) almost every concert, at least one person passed out on the grass,” said Jerome Flood, a park ranger who said something needs to be done.

Officials said a final decision won’t be made for a few more weeks.

If passed, the ban would go into effect June 1.