SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — Soaky Mountain Waterpark said its management team has agreed to voluntarily suspend all liquor and beer sales for the rest of its 2021 season.
Both the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Sevierville Beer Commission support this decision, according to a release from the waterpark.
According to records obtained by 10News, the waterpark agreed to suspend its TABC license starting August 19, 2021 until May 13, 2022.
During this time, it cannot sell alcoholic beverages, place alcohol orders with wholesalers or accept any alcohol deliveries during that time, according to records. The waterpark will then enter a 12-month probationary period starting May 14, 2022.
The records also showed the park has 30 days to submit a security plan to be approved by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission. It also agreed to employ off-duty Sevier County deputies "from time to time to enhance physical presence throughout the park."
Soaky Mountain said it is working with both the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Sevierville Beer Commission "to further enhance its alcohol-related policies and looks forward to an exciting, fun-filled 2022 season."
The park said it has had in excess of 300,000 guests so far this year.
"The isolated actions of a handful of individuals are not representative of the experiences of the other 300,000-plus guests," the park said in a statement.
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission previously recommended suspending its alcohol license after the waterpark received a citation for failure to maintain a licensed establishment in compliance with local and state ordinances on Aug. 6.
Records obtained by 10News cite incidents that happened on July 24 and July 31.
Three incidents from July 24 detail multiple intoxicated patrons being charged after assaulting park staff and other patrons.
The July 31 incident was a homicide in the parking lot for which Sarah Romine is facing charges for killing Kelsy Cook and shooting and wounding Angie Russell.
“The safety of our employees, our loyal season pass holders and the other guests who visit our family waterpark is paramount. We exist to provide opportunities for our guests to have fun and make memories together. What happened in our parking lot was a senseless act of violence, and we remain committed to helping the Sevierville Police Department with their investigation. We are grateful to everyone who reacted quickly to apprehend the suspect, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family,” General Manager Dave Andrews said in a statement.