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 consum...
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