COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho —
Alcohol sales in a pilot program at the Fifth Avenue Farmers Market didn’t add up for the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association.
“The amount of work that went into it and the return was just not there,” said Emily Boyd, DTA executive director, Tuesday.
She said the association would not be pursuing the program next year.
“It was just too much of an expense for the market to do it,” Boyd said.
The City Council earlier this year approved a DTA request for a pilot program to allow open containers of beer and wine for the final four weeks of the farmers market starting in September.
According to an association report, the move was expected to boost sales, attract more visitors and “create a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere.”
But several measures, including security personnel, fencing for an enclosed perimeter, labor and supplies totaled around $3,500 for the four-week run, while alcohol sales came in at less than $1,500.
“Under the current requirements for security, fencing and labor, it is financially unfeasible for DTA to continue,” according to a program summary presented to the City Council.
Police Chief Lee White previously expressed concerns about the program and told the City Council alcohol was a problem for police in the downtown area.
Boyd said while she understood the security requirements requested by police, it changed the atmosphere of the open-air, free-flowing, family-friendly market.
Those who bought beer or wine could not cross Sherman Avenue to access the other half of the market until they finished their drink. That led to some “chugging” it.
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