City OKs Alcohol at Civic Arts Plaza Park

Hoping to promote more of a Hollywood Bowl-type atmosphere outside the city’s top concert venue, the City Council has decided to allow drinking at Civic Arts Plaza Park.

Thousand Oaks council members voted unanimously Tuesday to allow alcohol consumption at the park after receiving a request from the American Assn. of University Women, which wanted to have alcohol there before a jazz concert.

“People could always have a drink here through concessions,” said theaters director Tom Mitze. “This just allows a group to have a picnic before a concert and bring beer and wine.” The Conejo Recreation and Park District allows alcohol to be consumed during its “Concerts in the Park” series as well as private parties using park facilities.

Spectators are allowed to bring picnic baskets with wine or beer, and Ventura County sheriff’s deputies are present in case any problems arise.

Using the park district as a model, Thousand Oaks officials will now put together a set of forms and procedures for providing city consent to drink at Civic Arts Plaza Park.