Texas allows alcohol at the Alamo

SAN ANTONIO, July 16 (UPI) -- Many Texans have criticized the announcement from the General Land Office to allow alcohol to be consumed at the Alamo complex.

State Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson has received heavy criticism for his announcement last week to allow alcohol consumption at the Alamo, The Texas Tribune reported.

The strongest critics of the announcement are the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, who were in charge of the Alamo until the General Land Office took over last year.

"It's actually where men died fighting for freedom, and we feel that offers you a different level of respect," Daughters of the Republic of Texas President Katherine Thompson said. "That standard to keep that respect would not be a party atmosphere -- not to drink, not to celebrate. It's not a place to celebrate. It's not Disneyland."

The new alcohol policy will go into effect at the end of July. Thompson said the Daughters of the Republic of Texas wants to assist in creating regulations for the policy if the decision holds up.