Akron Zoo moots serving of alcohol
The Akron Zoo is considering serving liquor after hours.
The zoo is asking permission to serve wine, liquor, and beer at special events. There have been a few objections, but Margo Sommerville, councilwoman for Ward 3 where the zoo is located, clarified the matter.
The zoo's request is to serve alcohol at private events, such as corporate outings or weddings, that are held after hours, when the zoo is closed to the public. David Barnhardt, a spokesman for the zoo, said that the facility has been getting an increasing number of requests to be used as an event venue, and adding alcohol sales will increase the zoo's revenue.
Zoo president and CEO Doug Piekarz said the Akron Zoo is the only one in Ohio without a license to sell liquor, at least at special events. He believes that having permission to provide alcohol in the evenings will attract more after-hours business, which in turn means more revenue for the zoo.
In comparison, the San Ziego Zoo, arguably one of the best and most popular in the world, sells beer, wine, and liquor all day long at its various restaurants and snack bars.
Zoo officials have been holding public meetings about the issue, and might like to work with a flyer printing company on a mailer to update the public on the proposal.
The zoo is asking permission to serve wine, liquor, and beer at special events. There have been a few objections, but Margo Sommerville, councilwoman for Ward 3 where the zoo is located, clarified the matter.
The zoo's request is to serve alcohol at private events, such as corporate outings or weddings, that are held after hours, when the zoo is closed to the public. David Barnhardt, a spokesman for the zoo, said that the facility has been getting an increasing number of requests to be used as an event venue, and adding alcohol sales will increase the zoo's revenue.
Zoo president and CEO Doug Piekarz said the Akron Zoo is the only one in Ohio without a license to sell liquor, at least at special events. He believes that having permission to provide alcohol in the evenings will attract more after-hours business, which in turn means more revenue for the zoo.
In comparison, the San Ziego Zoo, arguably one of the best and most popular in the world, sells beer, wine, and liquor all day long at its various restaurants and snack bars.
Zoo officials have been holding public meetings about the issue, and might like to work with a flyer printing company on a mailer to update the public on the proposal.