Sandpoint council approves amended draft allowing limited alcohol at City Beach, expands seasonal window for nonprofits

The Sandpoint City Council on Oct. 15 approved a staff-drafted amendment to the city's open-container code that permits single-day, permitted alcohol service in a defined area at City Beach and at certain other city facilities, subject to conditions the council added including limits on frequency and who may apply.

Why it matters: The change is intended to give community nonprofits a way to host fundraisers and events within a controlled, permitted footprint while responding to public concerns about safety, noise and impacts to the beach and park resources.

The amendment originally proposed by staff would have authorized permitted alcohol service at the James E. Russell Sports Center, at two Lakeview Park buildings and in a distinct, barricaded area at City Beach for single-day events in June. After several hours of public comment and council discussion, the council adopted an amended version that: limits City Beach alcohol permits to beer and wine; allows one permitted alcohol event per month at City Beach from after Labor Day through June (the council asked staff to prioritize Sandpoint and Bonner County nonprofit…