Hemphill County Commissioners authorized the Canadian River Beach Club, last week, to seek a private club permit for Jones Pavilion, which will allow the nonprofit organization to serve alcoholic beverages to VIP guests during special events, like the annual calf-fry cook-off.

CRBC representative Lacy Hanes had done her homework on the subject, working with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) license and permit specialist Lorena Barnett, and offered a thorough explanation of what the permit does and doesn’t allow, what its advantages are, and how the club intends to use it.

The permit can only be issued to charitable nonprofit organizations. It requires approval from Hemphill County as the property owner. Those being served are not required to be a member of the private club. A qualifying organization is only allowed two permits per year. Hanes explained that the permit will allow the club to gain sponsorship from beer distributors that it cannot access now, whose contributions will help lower the costs of hosting the event. Some distributors also provide backing to big-name bands, she said, and will offer financial incentives to hire a band they work with, as well.

“The biggest goal is to get more sponsorships,” she said, “and to do it legally. Last year, we were able to get donations from a distributor, but we could not give them recognition for it.”

This permit would allow distributors to make donations, to place their banners at the event, and to be recognized in advertising. “I think they would do more if they got recognition,” she said, adding that, with the slowing economy, it is harder to sell VIP tables for $700-800. Hanes said sponsorships could be worth anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000—money, she said, which the club will be able to give back to the community in the form of scholarships for graduating CHS seniors.

The permit will apply to a designated VIP area in the Pavilion only. CRBC plans to sell VIP wristbands. Those individuals will be served at a bar, and the drinks will not be permitted beyond the designated area. Hanes explained that the Beach Club will fence off an area that includes the kitchen, which will serve as the VIP area.

“We will ramp up security, and will not allow drinks to be taken in and out of that area,” she said, adding that general attendees to the event will still be allowed to bring their own beverages, she noted.

“Do other festivals already do this?” asked Commissioner Tim Alexander. “Yes,” said Judge George Briant, “but they haven’t been permitted.”

Briant suggested that if this model proves successful, the Canadian Rodeo Association may want to adopt it. Alexander asked whether allowing CRBC to seek the permit would increase the county’s liability. Hanes said the organization carries substantial insurance for its events. Briant said the county would stipulate that it be named as additionally insured on their policy.

Commissioner Curt McPherson’s motion to authorize the CRBC to seek a permit was unanimously approved.

Alexander’s Grocery & Deli came back from their fire in a big way on Sunday evening. The whole town seemed to accept the Alexander family’s invitation to bring their families and lawn chairs to Al’s parking lot for a celebration to thank the community for its help in their recovery. After a ribbon-cutting, Tim, Betsy, Annie, and Emily Alexander expressed their appreciation for the support of their family, friends, those who rolled up their sleeves to help in the tearing down and rebuilding, and the community-at-large. “You all are our family,” said Betsy. Braving the scorching hot asphalt, the happy diners enjoyed 1855 Black Angus Beef, that will now be available for purchase at Alexander’s—and, according to one local editor, it was tender, delicious, and perfectly cooked. Salad, potatoes, watermelon, music by Band 60 West, and a lot of great fellowship also were on the menu. Welcome back, Al and crew!

PHOTOS BY LAURIE EZZELL BROWN | THE RECORD