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Board to apply for stadium liquor license amid concerns about concessions capacity
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Summary
After reviewing seating plans that show 155 concession seats versus a consultant-projected 99, the board directed staff to work with the concessionaire on short- and long-term capacity solutions and voted to apply for a stadium liquor license to provide flexibility for food-and-beverage operations.
The Fargo Airport Authority voted to apply for a stadium liquor license and directed staff to work with its concessionaire to address short‑term crowding and long‑term seating capacity in the post‑security restaurant and bar area.
Staff presented design details and consultant projections showing the concessions seating in the final configuration at 155 seats versus a consultant projection of 99. "We currently are showing 88 seats in this area," one presenter said of the main bar seating, and staff noted additional seating in grab‑and‑go and coffee areas that together result in a higher total than the earlier study.
Concession operator representatives raised operational concerns about the design and liquor‑license constraints. Angie Corwin, speaking for the concession operator, clarified that the existing liquor license confines alcoholic service to a separated area for patrons 21 and older and said the current proposed shared space does not comply with that configuration.
To address those concerns and provide operational flexibility, a board member moved that the authority apply for a stadium liquor license — the board then approved the motion by voice vote. The motion’s sponsor said the stadium license is the most permissive option for the airport’s anticipated operations, subject to compliance with licensing conditions.
The board also directed staff to consult with the concessionaire (Skydine) about temporary measures that could increase seating during construction and to evaluate whether the long‑term design should be adjusted; staff will return with cost estimates and recommended adjustments.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with the concession operator on short‑term options, complete a review of long‑term seating plans, and proceed with an application for a stadium liquor license.
