Boozing Beachgoers Busted At Lake Calhoun

Minneapolis may be a beer town, both the birthplace of brands like Grain Belt and new microbreweries popping up like crocuses in spring. Don't let that fool you into thinking beer is ok everywhere, though. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board frowns deeper than a Puritan of old on people bringing beer and other "intoxicating beverages" into its parks.

Ordinance PB2-17  didn't stop five groups of beachgoers at  from BYOBing last week, including a group of 19-year olds nabbed by Minneapolis Police Department officers on June 21. 

In another case, red plastic cups and a cooler to hide the Mich Golden bottles weren't enough to keep a pair on June 23 from being caught by officers. 

The Park Board ordinance specifies that only near beer can be consumed in a park, and only for "personal consumption" outside of rec centers and in designated picnicking areas. If you really want "real beer" or other hooch at the beach, the Park Board advises visitors that they'll need a public event, a permit, a fenced-in area, a license from the City of Minneapolis, insurance, and a minimum of two Park Police officers to supervise things.