Sesame Place theme park decided Friday to withdraw its application for a liquor license to sell beer and wine at its new restaurant because of opposition from local officials.
"When you think of Sesame Place you don't think of Bert and Ernie and Big Bird drinking beer and wine," said Mel D. Kardos, a township supervisor in Middletown, a suburb of Philadelphia. "It's supposed to be milk and cookies. I don't think it's appropriate."
The park, which opened in 1980 and is operated by Busch Entertainment Corp., a part of the Anheuser-Busch beer company, has water slides and activity parks aimed at toddlers and children up to 13.
"In light of the objection by the Middletown supervisors, we've decided to withdraw our application because we value our position in the community," park spokeswoman Audrey Shapiro said.
Beer and wine are sold at restaurants in most family-oriented theme parks, including Disney parks, Universal Studios and Legoland in Carlsbad, Calif.
"We continue to maintain our position that it's appropriate to serve beer at family attractions and it's been done so in a responsible manner for years," Shapiro said.
SOURCE:
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