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Lincoln County approves one-time alcohol trial for Back Country Jam, sets contract and safety conditions
Summary
The Lincoln County Commissioners approved a one-time trial allowing alcohol at the Back Country Jam festival on the fairgrounds with conditions including insurance, a contract with the property owner and coordination with the Town of Afton and law enforcement.
The Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners on March 2 approved a one-time trial to allow alcohol sales and consumption at the Back Country Jam music festival, provided organizers meet specified conditions including insurance, a contract with the county or property owner and coordination with the Town of Afton and local law enforcement.
Abby Humes and Kaitie Vigna, event organizers, presented a site map and described plans for designated alcohol and non-alcohol areas and vendor placement. Sheriff Shane Johnson said his department could staff the event with advance notice; commissioners emphasized the need for a clear security plan and coordination with Afton police.
Commissioner Hansen pressed for strict conditions, citing both a perceived historical county practice of not permitting alcohol on the fairgrounds and personal safety concerns. He read from organizers’ correspondence, quoting a line in which an organizer wrote they were “disheartened by the reflection of religious ideology and prejudice in your decision.” Hansen also described family incidents involving alcohol as part of his rationale for caution.
Organizers said they would secure the required insurance, hire security, pursue TIPS-certified staff and explore safe-ride options. Chairman King noted the fairgrounds lie within the Town of Afton, which issues the malt-beverage permit, and said the town’s involvement and at least one Afton officer would be expected.
The commission adopted the motion to allow alcohol as a trial to be evaluated after the event, and asked organizers to return with a formal contract, evidence of required insurance policies and a detailed security plan. The county also required written confirmation of vendor TIPS training where applicable.
Next steps: organizers were asked to finalize a contract and insurance documentation with county staff and coordinate with the Town of Afton and law enforcement; the commission said it would evaluate the trial after the event.
