Council advances first reading to define “canned cocktails” in Grand Forks alcohol code

The Grand Forks City Council on Jan. 5 approved a first reading to add a definition of “canned cocktails” to the city’s alcohol licensing code.

Staff member Gostad explained the change would define a canned cocktail as a premixed, sealed container beverage with an alcohol-by-volume between 0.5% and 15%, language patterned on a definition found in Iowa law. Gostad said the amendment was largely cleanup to ensure references to canned cocktails were consistent across the alcohol-licensing chapter.

Council members spent most of the discussion considering whether to limit the change to metal cans or allow broader "sealed containers," and whether to add canned cocktails to the existing class 3 license (beer and wine) or revise license fees. Council member Masowski requested staff research whether it would be simpler to add canned cocktails to class 3 or craft a middle-tier fee, noting specialty venues such as softball fields and the speedway currently have specialty licenses.

Gostad told council he could propose broader language for the second reading to cover sealed containers beyond metal cans. President Sandy suggested wording such as “sealed container” or “sealed vessel” to avoid limiting the definition to one material.

After discussion, Masowski moved approval of the ordinance’s first reading as drafted, with a staff follow-up to explore broader container language and fee options for class 3 license holders. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The council will consider final adoption at the second reading in two weeks.

The ordinance affects how premixed alcoholic beverages are treated under local license categories; council requested fee and implementation options before final action.