- Home
- Departments
- Community & Quality of Life
- Parks & Recreation
- Book, Rent & Reserve
- Special Event Permits
- Noise & Alcohol Provisions
Noise & Alcohol Provisions
Amplified Sound at Special Events
According to Section 17-20, an outdoor music festival with amplified sound should not exceed 70 A-weighted decibels (dba) at the established perimeter of the event. An outdoor music festival is defined as any form of musical entertainment provided by live performances if:
- More than two 200 people are in attendance at any one performance
- The event requires paid admission; or
- Any of the performers or performance are not within a permanent, enclosed structure
- Any of the performance involves the use of amplified sound
How to know if you need an exception to the noise ordinance:
- Requires City Council's Approval if: Amplified sound Monday through Saturday, after 10 p.m.
- Requires City Council's Approval if: Amplified sound over 70 decibels (db)
- Requires City Council's Approval if: Amplified sound is anytime on Sunday
- Requires City Council's Approval if: Amplified sound over 65 dba on Sunday
Please refer to the scenarios that apply to your event when submitting an online Special Events City Council Request Application for City Council's approval.
Alcohol at Special Events
Sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages on park property:
- Only permitted for events
- Only permitted at Quakertown Park, Civic Center, North Lakes Park (excluding North Lakes Recreation Center), Rayzor Ranch Park, and Wolff's Park
- Requires application, Liquor Liability and General Liability Insurance, TABC permit
- Requires approval from City Manager or designee
- Requires final written approval in the form of an ordinance and City Agreement
Sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages for public events on private property:
- Only permitted for events
- Requires written permission from property owner
- Requires application, Liquor Liability and General Liability Insurance, and TABC permit
- Requires approval from City Council
- Requires final written approval in the form of an ordinance and City Agreement
To request the City Council's approval for the sale or consumption of alcohol at special events, please submit the online Special Events City Council Request Application.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Event organizers must comply with requirements set forth by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). Please contact Beth Gray at 940-349-2877 with questions regarding alcohol at special events:
Insurance Requirements in Addition to Commercial General Liability Insurance
Special event organizers who request to sell or serve alcoholic beverages or otherwise make it available to the public, on City-owned property, must provide Liquor Liability (Dramshop) Insurance or Host Liquor Liability coverage by the alcoholic beverage license/permit holder, in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.
City Council Request Application
Applications seeking City Council and/or Park Board approvals must submit an online Special Events City Council Request Application at least 90 days in advance of the event. Reasons include but are not limited to:
- Requests to sell, distribute and/or consume alcohol in a City park
- Requests for exceptions to the Noise Ordinance