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Sandpoint council expands beach alcohol permits to July and August, adopts ordinance under suspension of rules
Summary
Council voted to amend Sandpoint’s open‑container code to allow one permitted alcohol event in July and August; the ordinance passed after debate over public safety and a trial period, and was adopted under suspension of the rules at the same meeting.
The Sandpoint City Council on April 15 voted to amend its open‑container ordinance to allow one permitted alcohol event in July and August at city beach parking areas, reversing an earlier exclusion for the two busiest summer months.
Council members debated whether the city beach — a family‑oriented and high‑traffic location on peak summer days — should host beer gardens. Councilwoman Pam Dukat said she worried about opening the beach during July and August but acknowledged the Lions Club’s long record producing the city’s fireworks and fundraising events. After discussion and an unsuccessful motion to limit the change to July only, the council moved to approve the ordinance and later voted to suspend the rules to adopt the ordinance immediately under suspension.
Council President Ro moved the ordinance and Councilman Spiro seconded. The roll call reflected broad council support for the change; one council member opposed limiting the change to July and recorded a no on the related amendment. The clerk read the ordinance title amending Sandpoint City Code Title 3, Chapter 2, Section 9 (open containers) and the council approved the summary and first reading; the council then suspended the three‑reading rule and adopted the ordinance on the same night.
The change allows one permitted alcohol event per month during July and August, subject to the city’s existing permitting conditions (age‑restriction zones, security and traffic plans, and the 21+ beer‑garden configuration discussed for the Lions Club event). Council members said permits will remain discretionary and can be rescinded or limited if problems arise in operation.
The ordinance now moves into implementation; staff and the police department will apply permit standards and return to council with any required administrative adjustments after the summer trial period.
Outcome: Ordinance amendment approved and adopted under suspension of the rules (council vote: majority yes; amendment to limit to July failed).
