Southern Pines staff to draft code change allowing closed-bottle sales at town farmers market

Town staff presented a targeted proposal to allow approved vendors to sell closed containers of beer, wine and hard cider at the town-operated farmers market and asked the council for direction to prepare an amendment to the town code.

The request came from James Creek Cider House, an agricultural business in Cameron that produces hard cider. Town staff explained the vendor sought permission only to sell sealed bottles to customers to take off-site; staff emphasized the change would not allow on‑site consumption. "Their request is to sell closed bottles and that those bottles would remain closed during the farmer's market," said town staff (Speaker 8).

Staff said existing town code treats alcohol in the section for outdoor special events, which is designed for large events requiring police and fire oversight. The staff recommendation was to add a small subsection specific to farmers market activity on town property that operates under an agreement with a nonprofit market operator; that would allow approved vendors with the correct state permits to retail closed containers on public property without turning the farmers market into an OSC (outdoor special event) situation.

Chief Polidori (referred to in staff materials) had suggested excluding distilled spirits from the change; staff and council repeatedly noted the proposal is focused on lower‑alcohol products such as beer, wine and hard cider. "We probably couldn't include distilled spirits," said an officer involved in permitting discussions (Speaker 6). Staff also recommended restricting the code change to vendors operating under an operating agreement with the nonprofit that runs the farmers market, rather than opening all town property to vendors who might seek to sell alcohol.

Several council members urged caution about precedent. "If I make this decision, it's gonna be for everybody who sells alcohol anywhere in Southern Pines," said one council member (Speaker 5), questioning whether the amendment would open a Pandora's box. Staff replied the proposed change would be limited to town-owned properties where the town has an operating agreement with the nonprofit market operator; private pop-up markets and private-property events would remain subject to state permitting and other local requirements.

Council generally supported moving forward with a draft amendment. Town staff were asked to prepare proposed ordinance language and return to council for formal consideration at the March meeting.