Town Board Meeting Tonight on Changing Schroon's Open Container Law

A Beer Tent could be at the finish line for thirsty Adirondack Marathon runners in 2020. Picture shows Paradox Brewery’s Devon Hamilton at an outdoor festival in North Hudson in 2015 serving a special ale in honor of the legendary Grace Hudowalski -- a long time Schroon Lake resident -- who also he first woman to climb all 46 Adirondack High Peaks.

A public hearing about changing an ordinance of  consumption of alcohol on property owned by the Town of Schroon will be held at 6pm tonight (Monday, May 4) via a GOTOMEETING video call. . (Details below).

The proposed change  -- an exception to the current open container policy originally signed into law in 1968 -- would allow vendors to apply to the town for a permit for the consumption of craft beer, wine and hard cider at public events.

Some of the events eligible for an exception would be a beer tent at the end of the Adirondack Marathon, the Cheese and Wine tasting planned for that same weekend and wine tastings at local festivals and crafts fairs, said Sue Palisano, Executive Director of the Schroon lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We are in favor of the idea. I have heard for years that many runners who participate in the marathon have suggested to Race Director Joel Friedman that our marathon have a beer tent, following the practice of other marathons”.

Sue said many several events would benefit from the exception being approved.

“Having a wine tasting at this year’s first ever Schroon Lake Cheese Festival would be a natural.”

That event will feature local cheesemakers from Essex County and beyond.

Paul Mrocka, founder of Paradox Brewery says the exception would be a good idea.

“It’s a great tradition for runners to enjoy a beer after a run like that. It would definitely enhance the after-race festivities,” Paul said.

“Typically the beer is served in a commemorative glass as a keep sake for the runners”

To weigh in or follow tonight’s hearing at 6pm, here is what you need to know:

Try this shortcut, by clicking here.

Read more about the proposed change to the ordinance by clicking here.