Council passes ordinances for businesses

The Libby City Council passed two ordinances related to the consumption of alcohol at businesses in the city.

The committee reports includes an update about the water and sewer committee that had a meeting with the Libby Baptist Church, and the building committee that has received contracts from the state. The lights, street and sidewalk committee discussed a meeting about the alley behind Hav-a-Java and Burger Express, and the committee will have another meeting to get residents together to discuss the alley.

The main development from the council meeting was the council passage of ordinances 1849 and 1850. The Monday meeting was the second reading of the ordinances, and after being unanimously passed, each will go into effect in 30 days.

Cabinet Mountain Brewing Co. co-ownerKristin Smith spoke in support of passing the ordinances. The passage of the ordinance would help pave the way for outdoor seating at the brewery, which is set to open at the end of July.

The council has discussed the implications of requiring a permit for business encroachment on public space. Local dissent questioned how this new permit would affect the already-established businesses in Libby.

Ordinance 1849 ensures that public consumption of alcohol within Libby is unlawful except under the approved proposal of a private event. Ordinance 1850 establishes a “boulevard encroachment” permit that is administered by the City Council to allow, within boundaries, the business to expand into the open space around the building.

For businesses that receive this permit, tables must not be more than four feet wide and be placed five feet away from pedestrians. Alcohol would be served only until 9:30 p.m. on the sidewalk area and alcohol must be cleared by 10 p.m. Other limitations are included in the ordinance, including a ban on smoking, a requirement to own a liquor license and the business’ enforcement of legal drinking age.

Jenny Moen, owner of Mint Bar in Libby, asked if the ban on drinking in the public space meant it was legal before. The council responded and said it was not legal before, and this ordinance merely clarifies the public ban on consumption.

In other business, the council unanimously approved recently received business licenses, a water distribution project draw and awarded two bids for gravel and fuel. 

The City Council will next meet Wednesday morning for a breakfast meeting at the Hospital Cafeteria. 

After Wednesday, the council will meet 7 p.m. at City Hall on Aug. 4.