Brewery denied permit for Beer Barter

One of the most popular events at Whitefish Winter Carnival may have to move to a new location or be canceled.

The City of Whitefish has denied a permit application to close a portion of Central Avenue for Great Northern Brewing Company’s annual Beer Barter, citing uncontrolled open containers of alcohol during the past two events.

The brewery is appealing the decision, which will be reviewed at Monday’s city council meeting.

Now in it’s fourth year, the Beer Barter asks contestants what they would do or trade for a year’s supply of beer. Hundreds of spectators fill the street in front of the brewery as offers are made to a panel of judges. In the past, contestants have offered a live yak, a vintage Volkswagen bus, as well as fire dancing and skateboarding performances.

The barter is scheduled this year for Feb. 8 at 4:30 p.m. following the Carnival Grand Parade.

In denying the permit, city manager Chuck Stearns noted that the brewery was warned about open container violations after their inaugural event. According to Stearns, brewery manager Marcus Duffey reassured police chief Bill Dial the brewery would do a better job of controlling the borders of its beer garden.

“However, last year, chief Dial and I observed uncontrolled premises and open containers outside your expanded premises and up and down Central Avenue,” Stearns wrote in a Jan. 23 letter to Duffey. “Given your failure to live up to the promises you made last year, chief Dial has strongly recommended that you not receive a special events permit this year.”

Duffey admitted in his application that many open containers left the permitted area at last year’s barter.

“Unfortunately, we did not have hired security from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to monitor and police the sidewalk directly in front of the Great Northern Brewery,” Duffey wrote. “Volunteers did not suffice in the manner needed.”

Duffey proposed to narrow the scope of their permit for this year’s barter. He said they would serve beer and wine in the permit area only from 4-7 p.m., and that they would hire insured security to police the borders of the beer garden.

“We are constantly striving to participate and contribute to the community of Whitefish as responsible stewards,” Duffey wrote. “Our participation in the Whitefish Winter Carnival via the Beer Barter is a vital part of our desire to grow and be present in our community. Please consider our request and know that it’s our intention to be respectful of all our city and state laws.”

Stearns said the brewery could apply to hold the barter at another location, such as Depot Park or inside the O’Shaughnessy Center.

City council will discuss the brewery’s appeal Feb. 3 at 7:10 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.