The Westown Association opens its new season of River Rhythms tomorrow night at Pere Marquette Park. And, like Jazz in the Park, organizers are telling you to keep your beverages at home.

The following is from a Westown news release:

A new alcoholic beverage carry-in policy will be in effect for the 2009 season. In order to comply with current law, Westown is advising patrons that carry-in alcoholic beverages are no longer permitted at River Rhythms.

The City of Milwaukee notified Westown that it was a violation of Wisconsin Statute 125.32(6)(a) to permit patrons from bringing their own alcoholic beverages to the event because Westown holds a liquor license for the Park.

Signage will be posted and flyers will be distributed to patrons explaining the new policy and informing them that violators may be subject to citations, fines or other penalties. Westown will be offering for sale a variety of wine and beer selections, as well as soft drinks and food items.

Patrons are permitted to bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets, but are asked to leave their alcoholic beverages at home. Profits from beverage sales are used to offset the costs of River Rhythms and other free community events produced by the Westown Association.

As I noted in an earlier blog, Westown has been championing legislation to change this statute. In fact, the same release ends with the following text:

Legislation has been proposed that could affect future carry-in policies, but for now a no carry-in policy is in effect. For information on the proposed legislation, go to legis.wisconsin.gov or contact your Wisconsin State Representative about Assembly Bill 248 or your Wisconsin State Senator about Senate Bill 192. Locate your representative at legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx.

Old Mil, a local cover band, opens the 12-week, free music series at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.