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Open-container pilot at Coeur d'Alene farmers market shown to be manageable; organizers not pursuing next year
Summary
A September pilot allowed open containers for four events in the farmers market area. The Downtown Association reported no law-enforcement interactions but cited heavy setup time, extra security costs and containment needs; organizers are not requesting to continue the program next year.
City staff and the Downtown Association summarized a pilot open-container program conducted at the downtown farmers market in September.
Renata Cloud reported the pilot covered four events in the 5th Street market area and identified both positives and negatives: while there were no law-enforcement interactions reported, staff and organizers noted substantial setup time, the cost of hiring additional security and the operational requirement that customers finish alcoholic beverages before crossing Sherman Avenue. The police department asked that future events seeking similar allowances include fencing to contain alcohol within the permitted zone.
Cloud told the council the Downtown Association is weighing other options for events but is not asking to pursue the open-container pilot at the farmers market for next year. Council members thanked staff for the timely follow-up and asked clarifying questions about fencing and public-safety logistics.
