North Royalton Considers Allowing Alcohol at City Events

Proposed ordinances would permit nonprofits to sell and serve alcohol at city-sponsored events on municipal property.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:23pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a beer mug icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, rendered in vibrant neon hues with heavy black outlines in the style of Andy Warhol's pop art, conceptually representing the proposed changes to alcohol policies in North Royalton.A proposed change to North Royalton's alcohol policies could open the door for nonprofits to sell drinks at city-sponsored events.North Royalton Today

The city of North Royalton, Ohio is considering two proposed ordinances that would allow nonprofits to sell and serve alcohol at city-sponsored events on city property. Currently, the municipal code prohibits the possession or consumption of any intoxicating liquor, beer or alcohol in city parks. The mayor has proposed the changes at the request of the local Chamber of Commerce, but city council members have expressed concerns and want to hear from residents before making a decision.

Why it matters

This proposal represents a shift in North Royalton's long-standing policy prohibiting alcohol in public parks and on other municipal properties. The decision could impact the community's family-friendly atmosphere and public safety, as well as open up new revenue opportunities for local nonprofits hosting events.

The details

Under the proposed ordinances, the selling, serving and consuming of alcohol would be allowed on city property but only during city-sponsored events like Home Days, Parkapalooza, Halloween Madness, car shows, holiday lightings and fireworks displays. Only not-for-profit associations or corporations would be able to sell and serve alcohol at such events, and they would have to obtain a state liquor license and a $300 city permit to do so. The alcohol sales and consumption would be restricted to designated areas within the events.

  • The North Royalton City Council will discuss the proposed ordinances at its Streets Committee meeting on April 7, 2026.
  • The mayor proposed the ordinances in March 2026 at the request of the local Chamber of Commerce.

The players

Larry Antoskiewicz

The mayor of North Royalton who is sponsoring the proposed legislation to allow alcohol at city-sponsored events.

Paul Marnecheck

The North Royalton City Council President who has expressed concerns about the proposal and wants to hear from residents.

Mary Gorjanc

A North Royalton City Councilwoman who says the ordinances need more discussion, as the city is researching whether the original deed for the City Green park prohibits alcohol.

North Royalton Chamber of Commerce

The local business group that asked the mayor to look into allowing alcohol at some city events.

North Royalton Historical Society

The organization that is researching the history of the City Green park deed to determine if it prohibits alcohol.

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What they’re saying

“I have some strong concerns regarding how this plan, if approved by council, would be put into place.”

— Paul Marnecheck, North Royalton City Council President

“The North Royalton Historical Society is still researching the topic, since there was the long-held understanding that the original deed giving the land for the City Green (a center-of-town park bordered by Royalton, Ridge and Bennett roads) to the city prohibited alcohol on the Green.”

— Mary Gorjanc, North Royalton City Councilwoman

What’s next

The North Royalton City Council will discuss the proposed ordinances to allow alcohol at city-sponsored events during its Streets Committee meeting on April 7, 2026. Council members say they want to hear from residents on the proposal before making a decision.

The takeaway

This proposal to permit alcohol sales and consumption at North Royalton's city-sponsored events in public parks represents a significant shift in the community's long-standing policy. While it could provide new revenue opportunities for local nonprofits, it also raises concerns about public safety, family-friendly atmosphere, and potential conflicts with deed restrictions on the use of public land.