It has come to my attention from conversations with individuals and other Town of Berlin officials that some people believe the selling and consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed this year in the designated area for Berlin’s third annual New Year’s Eve Ball drop celebration.

Unfortunately, there is a misconception that the Town Council’s rejection of The Globe’s request to establish a separate outdoor bar on Broad Street means no alcoholic beverages will be allowed in the designated barricaded area for the New Year’s Eve Celebration.  This is not accurate.

The Mayor and Council for the third consecutive year has designated a restricted area on Main Street and a small portion of Broad Street adjacent to the annual ball drop where attendees 21 years or older may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in non-glass containers.  Alcoholic beverages may be legally purchased from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. within the restricted area for the New Year’s celebration from any of six licensed businesses who have received approval from the Town of Berlin and the Board of License Commissioners of Worcester County.

The six businesses authorized to sell alcoholic beverages and allow their patrons to leave their respective premises during the celebration include The Atlantic Hotel; The Globe; The Maryland Wine Bar; Si’culi’s; Sisters; and Tex Mex and Beyond.

During the first two years of this extremely popular event, the Town of Berlin has not experienced any incidents of improper or irresponsible behavior regardless of whether attendees were consuming alcoholic beverages, or not.  I wish to remind everyone that no one is allowed to bring alcoholic beverages of any kind into downtown Berlin on New Year’s Eve. Anyone who ignores this simple rule, will be either escorted away from the celebration or arrested by law enforcement officers after having their beverages confiscated.

Ultimately, the continued success of the most popular New Year’s Eve event on the Eastern Shore is not the sole responsibility of town or county officials, but is the collective responsibility of every guest who attends this positive, lively and uplifting celebration.

Please do you part to enjoy the celebration responsibly, look out for the well-being of other guests and show by your example that the family of Berlin has the maturity, foresight, and mutual respect to enable others to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a manner that reflects the vitality and character of our community.