Expansion of booze sales denied for Raymond James

TAMPA -- The Tampa City Council today denied permission to expand the sale of hard liquor throughout Raymond James Stadium.

By a 4-2 vote, council members heeded police officials who said that selling liquor throughout the stadium -- and not just in certain areas as is done now -- would lead to more criminal activity and medical problems.

Voting in favor of expanding the sales were Tom Scott and Gwen Miller. Council member Mary Mulhern was absent.

Levy Premium Foodservice, the concessionaire at the stadium, requested the expanded sales and told council members their employees would be well trained and take precautions against overserving patrons.

But the council was more swayed by a police report that raised concerns about additional liquor sales. Beer and wine are available throughout the stadium, but liquor sales are contained to club seats, luxury suites, restaurants and a few other places that hold about 15,000 people. The stadium holds about 66,000 people.

-- Janet Zink, Times staff writer