Visitors to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center soon will be able to enjoy a drink and a show.
Alcohol sales soon will be allowed at some events at the Bowlus, after members of the Bowlus Commission and USD 257 board members agreed to make a number of policy changes.
The changes mostly involved insurance liability, moving the responsibility for maintaining insurance from USD 257 to the Bowlus itself. The original Bowlus Trust put that responsibility under the school district out of convenience, Bowlus executive director Daniel Kays said, but it sometimes limits the use and nature of activities at the center.
There are no restrictions in the Trust itself — or in city, county or state laws – that would otherwise prohibit the Bowlus from serving alcohol at its events.
Kays proposed allowing some events to serve alcohol, as well as non-alcohol beverages and appetizers. Such items would be provided by a licensed caterer, who would be responsible for maintaining any necessary insurance liability.
Events could include the music series events, art gallery openings, Friends of the Bowlus events and rental events.
The change will start with next season’s music series shows, although it’s possible the Bowlus could offer a “test run” at the Dale Watson concert June 26, which is sponsored by the Wulf family.
“We might use this one event just to see how it would go,” Kays said.
The goal is to improve the experience for those who attend Bowlus events, Kays said.
“A fine arts institution not only enhances life by the performances and events, but also by the environment for social interaction, allowing patrons to communicate with each other in a comfortable atmosphere,” he said in a prepared statement to the board.
A designated area will be reserved for visitors to sit and enjoy their beverage during the events. Only bottled water is allowed in the main stage seating areas.
The various changes to the insurance responsibility would take the building itself out, but would keep staff members under USD 257’s policies. Bowlus employees use the school district’s payroll system, workers compensation coverage, health insurance coverage and the KPERS retirement plan.
