City Council Meeting Date:
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Lynette Peterson, City Clerk
Title
Consider Resolution Authorizing Temporary Closure of Streets and Public Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages for the August Third Thusdays Event on August 21, 2025, a City Sanctioned Special Event.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council is being asked to approve the attached Resolution authorizing temporary closure of streets and public consumption of alcoholic beverages for the August Third Thursdays Event on August 21, 2025, a City sanctioned special event.
Summary Report:
Friends of Downtown Northfield have requested the City authorize the temporary closure of public streets and right-of-way on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for their Third Thursdays City sanctioned event. The following streets would be temporarily closed and the event area would be as follows: Bridge Square; Water Street South; Division Street from 3rd Street to 5th Street. A map of the designated area is attached as Exhibit A of the resolution.
The City is allowed to close off streets and allow alcohol sale and consumption in certain areas for special events provided the City complies with State law and obtains the appropriate approvals and permits. Per State law, alcohol is not allowed within the businesses (or other buildings) within the area designated but rather just in those public streets. Event organizers are working with the Police Department and City Clerks office related to education and enforcement for the area.
Under Minnesota Statutes 340A.404, Subd. 10, cities can issue temporary on-sale liquor licenses to the following:
• Non-profit organizations
• Political organizations
• Certain licensed breweries, wineries or distilleries
Council approved a temporary liquor license for Tanzenwald Brewing Company at their June 3, 2025 meeting for the August 21 event. The area for alcohol allowance is
For alcohol to be consumed in the closed-off public area, Northfield must:
• Pass a resolution or ordinance temporarily allowing sale and alcohol consumption in public (which is otherwise prohibited);
• Clearly define the area and timeframe;
• Coordinate with law enforcement and public works for enforcement logistics;
• Ensure proper fencing, signage, and control of entrances/exits (as required by the temporary license)
• Ensure Friends of Downtown Northfield and Tanzenwald Brewing enforces no possession or consumption inside of non-liquor establishments.
City staff has met with Friends of Downtown Northfield to discuss the parameters of this event. They have concurred they will comply with the rules and regulations set by the City for this event.
Alternative Options:
The Council could choose not to approve the resolution and the event would limit the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages to the Bridge Square designated area only.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
N/A