This past week, members of the New Braunfels Downtown Association and the city’s parks and recreation department proposed an alcohol-free Wassailfest.
Association membersand city officials proposing the ban said serving alcohol creates opportunity for underage drinking and would ultimately lead to a safer Wassailfest.
Since its creation in 1992, Wassailfest has become a beloved holiday tradition — mostly attended by local residents. It’s a chance to shop, visit with friends and neighbors and to try wassail made by area businesses — alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
It’s true that teens might get a few sips of alcoholic wassail from irresponsible vendors. But if that's the case, then crack down on the vendors. And it’s true that banning alcohol might decrease the number of drivers leaving the event under the influence, but if they drink and drive, arrest them.
But has either been a significant problem in the 17 years since the event was formed?
Responsible business owners and the city parks department promoting safe behavior is commendable, but for the city parks administration, the position seems hypocritical.
The parks department supports an alcohol ban of a popular event for local residents, yet the same city government lets out-of-towners swarm our rivers, drink to excess and litter and pollute our rivers.
The city parks department's position might have more credibility if it did not seem punitive against the people who live here here while those who just visit get to bring 16-beer coolers apiece to the rivers.
If the city council or the city's administration supports this proposal, they should not be surprised when residents cry foul.
This apparent double-standard, one for tourists, and one for local residents, makes no sense.
