City committee working on single special-event permitting process for events with alcohol

City licensing staff updated the Fargo Liquor Control Board on a special-event committee that is developing a single application process for large events that include elements such as amplified sound, street closures, security and alcohol permitting.

Angie, licensing staff, said the committee aims to provide one application so event holders can list whether they hold a state license or a city license and to clarify when a separate city permit is required. "We're looking at... one application process for everything," Angie said, describing the committee's work on permitting criteria and permitting flow.

Mark Bjornstead (president, Drucker Brewing Company) explained that state-issued special-event permits are for producers — breweries, wineries and distilleries — and are limited in number. "They're for producers... To get them, there is some pretty strict guidelines," Bjornstead said, adding producers often rely on those permits for public samplings and industry events rather than private cash bars.

Joel Acath, owner of Proof Artist and Distillers, said when his distillery uses a state special-event permit other cities often accept that state license and do not require a separate local license for sampling events. He urged continued coordination with city staff to avoid duplicative or conflicting rules.

Board members asked producers to stay in contact with Angie so the committee can align policy with industry practice; producers agreed to assist with practical details as staff develops the single-permit proposal.