Board discusses local permits and notification for vendors using state-issued permits at city events

Fargo Liquor Control Office staff told the board Sept. 1 that the city currently has no automatic notice when a state alcohol permit is issued to an out-of-town vendor participating in a city event, and staff proposed exploring a local permit or notification system. Steve Sprague said he contacted the state to ask whether the city could be placed on an email list of state-issued permits; the state declined. As an alternative, Sprague said the city could create a local permit that would require vendors to register with the city when they operate at street fairs, markets or closures, which would trigger interagency review and, where appropriate, local fees. Sprague tied the concept to a broader effort to move road-closure and event applications online: “Are you going to close the road? Do you need tents up? Are you going to have alcohol? And then under that alcohol would be…are you a local permit or a state permit?” He said an online application could capture one set of answers and notify police, fire and health. Board members said they supported the idea of fairness and clarity for local reviewers, noting that the lack of notice can create confusion at events when out-of-town vendors operate without displaying state licenses or understanding local rules. Sprague said the proposal is preliminary and that staff is still developing how to implement it and whether a fee would apply. No formal action was taken at the meeting. Staff will continue to develop the online event-application concept and to explore whether a local permit or registration requirement is appropriate and how it would interact with the state permit process. — Article is based on staff remarks in the Liquor Control Board meeting transcript.