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The Rome Men’s Softball Association’s upcoming tournament will offer beer for sale, following Common Council approval Wednesday of a waiver of the city’s open container law for the event.

The second annual toruney will be June 21-22 at Haselton Wright Field. The Rhinehaus, a bar at 513 W. Dominick St., will handle the sales, and there will be a specific area marked for consumption. The bar must obtain a specific license for the event to have the sales.

"Anyone that’s intoxicated will not see the field," said association representative Bill Menter. He noted that off-duty police from Rome will be there (they have a team in the event) and on-duty officers often patrol the park.

Councilor Ronald Casadei, R-5, who voted in favor of the request along with the other six members, said the event ran last year — booze free — with no accidents, no problems and no injuries or DWI charges. Councilor Thomas A. Varano, R-2, said on-duty police should definitely be sent to patrol the park during the event to assure compliance.

Corporation Counsel Diane Martin-Grande warned of the liabilities involved despite the $4 million in insurance the group must obtain to proceed. She warned of allowing alcohol at a residential park located in a dense Riverview Parkway neighborhood with so many children living and playing nearby. She said the request underscores the need to move the association’s games to a more conducive area.