More Beer, More Problems 

Editor:

At this year's Oyster Festival in Arcata, the plaza was fenced off and a $10 admission was charged ("Oysters, Beer and Cash," June 6). Arcata Main Street stated the main reason for the admission charge was to pay for additional festival security. The large attendance and with beer sales expected to top last year's all-time high, public safety will be a concern. In past festivals, beer sales have been the biggest money maker.

Since the beginning, Eureka's Old Town Fourth of July celebration had the sale of alcohol, but then it began to cause problems, so it is no longer allowed. The problems lessens and attendance has not suffered.

Arcata Main Street has to make a decision. Either continue to sell beer at the fest, thus increasing security costs, or discontinue the sale of beer and remove the fence and have admission to the event continue to be free.

Scott R. Baker, McKinleyville