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Commission approves revisions to Title 5 liquor code after business and entrepreneur testimony
Summary
The Bismarck City Commission approved amendments to Title 5 to align licensing and special-event language with state code, add domestic-distillery language (NDCC 5-01-19), and remove duplicate text; local business owners urged clearer definitions of 'host' and warned about overregulation of event permits.
The Bismarck City Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 26 to approve amendments to Title 5 of the city code governing liquor licenses, adopting staff-recommended clerical corrections, changes to renewal timing and a fix to include domestic distilleries under North Dakota Century Code 5-01-19.
Doug, city staff responsible for licensing, told commissioners the updates align the city renewal deadline with the state (Dec. 31) and provide a six-month grace period for the next cycle. He asked the commission to add language excluding domestic distilleries under NDCC 5-01-19 where an omission had been spotted in the draft.
Several local business owners spoke during the public hearing. Rick Becker, a class D license holder, urged the commission to remove redundant language and suggested clarifying that an event "host" be distinct from the liquor licensee to prevent repeated use of a single license at multiple locations. David Witham, speaking from a development feasibility perspective, recommended a clearer definition of host so venues and pop-up operators can understand how to comply.
Michelle Kaufman, who has used event permits for pop-up bars downtown, pushed back on overbroad restrictions. "I don't think the language for special events was broken," Kaufman said, arguing that the permitting system gives administrators discretion and that added constraints could hurt small entrepreneurs.
Commissioner Cleary moved to approve Ordinance 6623 with the edits: remove duplicate G text and add the NDCC 5-01-19 language for domestic distilleries. The motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote with all commissioners voting yes.
