The town of Bethel has amended its "Mass Gathering Law"...to exempt the muncipality or its agent from the provisions.

Supervisor Alan Scott says last (Thursday) night's action has been under discussion for four years...and is meant to be "an opportunity for the town to do something for economic development." The board approved the amendment unanimously.

Scott tells WVOS that there had always been the possibility of the town taking a role in the staging of a mass event...but nothing is planned for this summer. He says the town has not had conversations about the amendment with Allan Gerry's Granite Associates or with Yasgur Farm owner, Roy Howard...but offered a "no comment" about whether talks had been held with anyone else.

The town's Mass Gathering Law is contained in Section 46 on its zoning code...and Scott points out that it is not unusual for municipalities to be exempt from their own zoning regulations.

The law requires anyone conducting an event with 10,000 people to meet requirements covering toilets, water, hours of operation, access and other sanitary and safety considerations.

Sullivan County and New York State have similar provisions.