Coeur d'Alene farmers market begins selling beer, wine

COEUR d’ALENE — Gabrielle Minor and Mark John enjoy coming to the 5th Street Farmers Market for local, fresh pizza and other food. 

Wednesday evening, they were able to try something new.

“We were pleasantly surprised tonight to be able to enjoy our food with a local, adult beverage in a friendly, community atmosphere,” Minor said after they purchased two cans of grapefruit vodka soda. 

Minor said they try to support local businesses whenever possible. 

“This is a great addition to the farmers market offerings.” she said.

Beer and wine were available for the first time at the market after the Coeur d’Alene City Council on Tuesday night approved a resolution for the Downtown Association to try a pilot project allowing possession of open containers of beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages. 

It was narrowly approved, with Councilmembers Christie Wood and Dan English voting no, while Dan Gookin, Kiki Miller and Amy Evans voted yes.

Police Chief Lee White previously said officers respond to many alcohol-related incidents in downtown. 

“We do have quite a problem with alcohol in our city,” White said.   

But the pilot project was off to a peaceful start on a warm day, as sales were modest. Two people sipped beers while listening to music, but otherwise, those with alcohol in hand were hard to find. 

Two police officers wandered through, stopping to survey the scene. Four security guards manned entry and exit points on Fifth Street. Signs spelled out the rule: “No alcohol behind this point,” as people had to finish their drinks in the area they bought them. 

Prices ranged from $6 for a can of Kona Big Wave, $8 for wine and $4 for a can of Pub beer. 

Jeron Williams with Northern States Security said that in the first hour he hadn’t turned anyone back wishing to cross Sherman Avenue with drink in hand. He said there were no problems at all.

“But we have two hours to go,” he said. 

Councilman Dan Gookin stopped by to check things out. 

“I honestly don’t know if this is the kind of crowd that’s going to walk around with beer and wine,” he said. 

Gookin said the Downtown Association must decide if beer and wine sales offset the expense of the added security. 

“Is this worth the cost?” he said. “It’s a trial program. We’ll see how it goes.” 

Emily Boyd, executive director of the Downtown Association, said it will take four markets to determine if open containers benefit the market and attendees. 

“It’s hard to tell how it’s going to go,” she said. 

Linsey Vaughn was serving beer and wine. She said sales were slow at first but starting to pick up and people were friendly.

“It’s been nice,” she said. 

Boyd noted the crowd was smaller than usual, as it was the first market since school started back up. 

She said the resolution allowing the pilot program was only approved the night before. 

“We had to pull everything together kind of quickly,” Boyd said. 

Resident Bill Green was critical of allowing beer and wine sales at the market when he spoke to the City Council on Tuesday. He questioned what changed that “somehow now it’s better to do it with alcohol” at a family event. 

He said alcohol changes people’s thinking, perceptions and impulse control. He said adults drinking alcohol at the market were a bad example for children who attend with parents.

He said bars and restaurants are just a short walk away on Sherman Avenue for those who need a drink. 

“Why can’t grownups have fun without having this extra thing?” Green asked. 

According to an association report, the move is expected to boost sales and attract more visitors. It would also “create a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere that enhances the community experience.”     

Boyd said a lot of research went into the proposal and other communities have family-friendly events with open containers.   

“It shows the shopping time is extended to the benefit of vendors and downtown businesses,” she said.  

According to an association report, it plans to track sales and any incidents or complaints reported during the trial. The association will also conduct surveys and meet with stakeholders. 

The 5th Street Farmers Market is open 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays through September. 

    Security guard Jeron Williams mans the corner at Fifth and Sherman during the 5th Street Farmers Market on Wednesday.
  

    Visitors pass by the booth offering beer and wine at the 5th Street Farmers Market on Wednesday.