Merriweather Post Pavilion can now serve alcohol on an area double its size, a feat to be tested first at the HFStival.
The Howard County Liquor Board granted the venue permission Tuesday because it presented policies that would “maintain the safety and peace of the area,” said Denise King, board administrator.
The HFStival, a two-day alternative rock festival on Memorial Day weekend, is the largest event to be held at Merriweather in at least 10 years.
Ticket holders can purchase beer and wine at about 140 locations at the pavilion, said Jerry Gottlieb, president of Charm City Hospitality, the company providing the alcohol.
No one may leave the event with alcohol; no one may return to the event after leaving.
Merriweather will extend its venue from about 450,000 to about 1 million square feet, including the venue?s West parking lot and 2 1/2 acres of Columbia Association-owned Symphony Woods. A 6-foot chain-link fence with a concrete base will surround the additional land.
“We are very handicapped by our 10 acres,” said Jean Parker, Merriweather general manager.
“In the amphitheater industry, 10 acres is a very, very small site.”
The venue is offering 27,000 tickets, 8,000 more tickets than its normal 19,000 capacity.
Parker said the association will have bargaining rights for use of its land in future concerts, depending on the outcome of the HFStival.
“A lot will depend on how this first concert goes,” said Columbia Association Board Member Barbara Russell.
At a glance
Dates of summer festivals at Merriweather Post Pavilion when the extended land and liquor license may be used:
» HFStival, May 27 and 28
» Capital Jazz Fest, June 3 and 4
» Vans Warped Tour, June 15
