The Cottonwood City Council voted 5-1 to deny the Arizona Pride Tour 2023 a special event liquor license for its drag show scheduled for April 8 at the Cottonwood Community Clubhouse.
State law requires the city to submit its approval or denial to the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control Department when a special event liquor license application is submitted for an event held in the city.
Mayor Tim Elinski noted that the council does not normally discuss applications for liquor licenses, which are usually dealt with as part of the consent agenda. This particular application was considered under new business rather than the consent agenda because of the controversy surrounding the event, with Elinski noting that the council has sat through four meetings with hours of public comment on the event.
“I know many will be protesting at the event and I can’t in good conscience allow alcohol to be served,” Elinski said.
He explained that his vote should be understood not as a condemnation of the event but as a response to unusual circumstances.
Both Vice Mayor Debbie Wilden and Councilwoman Jackie Nairn expressed concerns as well, which they claimed were prompted solely by a regard for public safety. The council voted to deny the application, with only Councilwoman Helaine Kurot voting in favor. Councilwoman Tosca Henry was absent for the vote.
Elinski commented that people have been quite civil at the council meetings so far and he wishes the public to continue conducting themselves civilly at the event.
During the call to the public, 23 residents spoke about their opposition to the show, while 17 residents spoke in favor. Council did not comment or respond to any of the speakers as the item was not agendized for debate.
