SANFORD, Fla. — A charity cocktail party planned for next month at The Barn in Sanford has received some unexpected publicity because of its guest bartenders.
A flyer for the Cocktails for Charity event said Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett and former DeBary Mayor Clint Johnson will serve drinks during the fundraiser, which will benefit Meals on Wheels.
Channel 9 asked if either city could be held liable should a patron be overserved.
“We came up with the idea,” Triplett said, referring to his friend Johnson. “We had been talking about it for six months.”
Triplett said city attorneys told him only the bar can be held liable, not the city. He said he won’t be handing out drinks to customers or handling cash.
DeBary city leaders sent the city of Sanford and The Barn a letter Friday, absolving it of liability in relation to the fundraiser.
“It protects us legally from anything that might happen during the event,” City Manager Ron McLemore said. “And it clarifies to the public that this is not an event the city of DeBary is involved in.”
The flyer identifies Johnson as “the elected mayor of DeBary.” He was removed him from office last month for violating the city's charter.
“No one ever requested, expected or implied participation from the city of DeBary,” Johnson said in a statement. “They've never been a part of any of the charitable campaigns I've participated in.”
Triplett and Johnson will be stationed at their own bar inside the venue.
Cox Media Group
