The debate over Skateland's request for an alcohol permit continues to polarize the community, with concerns about safety and the message it sends to young people. The rink, located on Indy's northwest side, has proposed to expand its offerings to include beer and wine, aiming to enhance the experience for adult patrons. In an interview with FOX59, Skateland's general manager James Wilson argued that “They like to have beer with some of our cafe menu items while they’re watching the sports games on Saturdays and Sundays. So that’s where the idea came from.”
However, this proposal has been met with resistance from local residents and law enforcement. Mary Clark, a community member, expressed a firm stance to FOX59, saying, "There’s enough alcohol flowing in this city, let alone our community so we don’t need any more." These sentiments are mirrored by Captain William Carter of IMPD, who shared his apprehension with FOX59, asserting that introducing alcohol "could cause us similar types of situations," in light of previous disturbances at the rink, including two large fights earlier in the year.
Community members have voiced concerns that an alcohol permit is not in alignment with the family-friendly atmosphere that skating rinks traditionally uphold. "Not a good fit," summarized Donna Forbes, affiliated with the Community Resource District Council, in a statement obtained by 13News. The International Marketplace Coalition's Mary Clark concurred, questioning the wisdom of encouraging late-night behavior associated with alcohol consumption in their community.
Past incidents at Skateland, including a shooting in the parking lot in 2021 and a lethal shooting in 2019, have exacerbated these concerns. The October 6 meeting will be a pivotal moment for the rink, as state officials are slated to vote on granting the alcohol permit. Meanwhile, Wilson emphasized to IndyStar that Skateland remains committed to safety, adding that the business is continually exploring additional measures to make both the building and operations more secure. A decision is eagerly awaited by all parties involved.
