Six Flags Now On Tap
TABC issues alcohol permits to Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor
By LITA BECK
Updated 11:31 AM CST, Sun, Mar 29, 2009
Fun isn't the only thing on tap at Six Flags Over Texas. The Arlington amusement park began serving beer Saturday, but chilly weather left many visitors opting for hot coffee or cocoa.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission issued alcohol permits Tuesday to Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor.
Beer -- the only alcoholic beverage that will be served -- was sold beginning Saturday. But demand was low, thanks to cold, gusty winds and temperatures that hovered in the 40s for much of the day.
Beer sales at Hurricane Harbor will begin when it opens on May 16.
"If they're doing it the right way, then it will be a great idea," Jennifer Yubah said.
But don't expect to stroll around the park with a brew in hand. Six Flags says beer can only be consumed where it was purchased.
A 16-ounce cup sells for $5.99. It will be sold in gated areas and can't be taken outside of those areas.
But Abby Schull, who just bought season tickets for her family, said she wasn't reassured.
"That might help contain it, but then people can still sit there and drink as much as they want and then go out into the park inebriated, and that's not good either," she said.
Schull said she also had concerns about intoxicated patrons hitting the road at closing time, but the parks will stop selling beer two hours before closing time.
Customers will be able to buy beer beginning at noon.
But the park will not sell alcohol on days set aside for students, such as Physics Day and Math and Science Day.
While the parks were issued mixed-drink permits, beer will be the only alcoholic beverage sold, a park spokeswoman said. The mixed-drink permits were obtained for use during private affairs and functions, she said.
"If you manage it the right way, then just have fun," Yubah said.
Some patrons said the beer sales are affecting their plans for "more fun" at Six Flags.
"Whenever I go to Six Flags now, I'm going to be careful," Naomie Cilumba said. "I'm trying not to go on the weekends."
As for Schull?
"We're going, but we're going to pray," she said.
TABC denied a motion filed by opponents for a rehearing on the amusement parks' liquor licenses earlier Tuesday.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Dallas-Fort Worth
First Published: Mar 24, 2009 10:53 PM CST
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