Public Safety Committee forwards Cheese Days permit despite concerns about open-container areas

The Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to forward the Cheese Days special-event application to the Common Council after a discussion about safety measures and an open-container zone proposed for the downtown parks.

An agency official who summarized the permit told the committee the event is similar to prior years but now explicitly includes two downtown parks as part of the open-container relaxation area and adds vehicle barriers to prevent cars from driving into the crowd. “Having the open containers as part of especially a large festival like Cheese Days has actually brought us where we don't have as many problems,” the agency official said, arguing that spreading alcohol consumption across outdoor space has reduced concentrated indoor crowding and fights.

A committee member said they remained uncomfortable with open containers across the festival grounds and worried about the effect on children and youth, noting that alcohol-related incidents historically make up a large portion of police calls. “My concern… is the children and the youth and our community,” the committee member said.

Staff also noted operational details: buses and vendor locations remain unchanged, organizers added signage to prevent early placement of chairs on terraces until Saturday night, and the event permit includes an extensive attachment listing street closures and staging areas.

A committee member moved to accept staff’s recommendation and forward the application; the chair seconded. The clerk called the roll and recorded the ayes; the motion was forwarded to the Common Council for final approval.

The committee’s action sends the event to Council with the same operational footprint used in recent years, while noting members’ differing views on open-container policies. The Council will consider the permit at its next meeting.