JACKSON – The Northampton County Board of Commissioners briefly discussed at their March 20 meeting whether alcohol should be allowed at the Cultural and Wellness Center for private events only. Alcohol is not allowed at all during public events.

This policy had been previously discussed in 2008. At that time, the Board decided not to allow alcohol at the facility after a much heated discussion with the public.

County Manager Kimberly Turner brought this new request before the Board to open the discussion up to a public forum again.

Commissioner Charles Tyner noted that there had only been one request so far to allow alcohol at a private event held at the Wellness Center. This request came from Woodland Mayor Kenneth Manuel.

“We have so many other things to take care of right now. We should not change the policy,” Tyner said.

Commissioner Fannie Greene agreed with the recommendation that the Wellness Center remain alcohol-free for private events.

The commissioners decided by unanimous vote that the current policy will remain in place without further discussion at this time.

Citizen comments at the end of the meeting thanked the commissioners for considering the proposal.