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Commission authorizes staff to draft airport alcohol ordinance to allow drinking in gates with restrictions
Summary
The commission authorized the city attorney and staff to draft a new ordinance to allow alcohol consumption outside restaurant areas at Hector Airport gates, directing work on public‑safety and cup/area limits and suggesting a pilot or sunset clause for the policy.
The commission voted to authorize the city attorney and auditors' office to draft an ordinance to permit alcohol consumption in designated areas of Hector Airport beyond restaurant seating, following a request from the Airport Authority.
William Wisher of the auditor's/attorney's office described options the Liquor Control Board had considered — including limits on cup type, hours, restricted drinking areas, security and potential design elements that would preserve safety while giving passengers more flexibility. "We've identified a lot of things or options to make sure that the airport continues to be safe, but allow the flexibility to consume alcohol outside of the restaurant," Wisher said.
Commissioners generally supported drafting an ordinance and discussed pilot approaches, enforcement and a possible sunset clause; several members said they saw advantages in matching practices at other airports and urged staff to return with recommended language. The authorization instructs attorneys to draft proposed ordinance language for the commission to review and finalize at a future meeting.
