Ambler Borough has announced that the Borough Council has determined to suspend the issuance of permits for block parties and park rentals. The council determined that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the inability to monitor the attendance of each function it was prudent to suspend issuing permits.

Below is the discussion provided in the draft minutes from the July 14th meeting:

Discussion ensued. Chief Hoffman asked Council to determine which way the Borough is leaning as to limiting permits or not allowing permits at all. Ms. Deininger stated that given the COVID-19 situation she did not want the Borough to sanction any of these events this year. Mrs. Siskind concurred. Ms. Hertz stated it would be difficult for the Borough to limit and verify attendance at these events and added that ‘green light’ does not mean ‘go.’ Ms. Endicott stated she felt that outdoor events are safer than house parties and suggested that the Borough not sanction large events. Chief Hoffman noted that three-quarters of a block’s residents are needed to approve of an event before a permit is requested. Solicitor Frey stated the Borough cannot eliminate certain requests and must therefore either allow these events or not. He cautioned that the Borough might be subject to lawsuits that cost time and money if a definitive determination was not made. Ms. Endicott ascertained that small groups such as yoga could show up at parks for activities held at their own risk, maintaining social distancing, without requiring a permit. The Committee stated they would recommend suspending the issuance of block party and park rental permits until further notice.

In the green phase, which Montgomery County is currently in, events up to 250 people are allowed.