COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho —
Coeur d’Alene has a drinking problem, said Police Chief Lee White.
Not just a small one.
“We already have an enormous problem with alcohol in our area,” he told the City Council. “And I just wanted to make sure the council was aware of the gravity and the scope of the issue we’re dealing with.”
White said since Jan. 1, police have issued 321 warnings for alcohol offenses and written 241 citations for a variety of alcohol offenses, with 26 of those resulting in arrests.
He said the “overwhelming majority” of those were in the downtown area.
He said the highest blood-alcohol content of someone Coeur d’Alene police arrested was .38, far and away above Idaho's legal limit of .08.
“We do have quite a problem with alcohol in our city,” White said.
Despite the information and opinion presented by White, the City Council approved a request from the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association to allow open containers at the 5th Street Farmers Market.
Councilmembers Christie Wood and Dan English voted no, while Dan Gookin, Kiki Miller, Amy Evans and Woody McEvers voted yes.
Under the pilot project, beer and wine would be allowed from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays on Fifth Street between Front and Lakeside avenues.
The trial could start soon and continue through Sept. 25.
According to an association report, the move would boost sales for market vendors and downtown businesses by attracting more visitors and encouraging longer stays. It would also “create a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere that enhances the community experience.”
To read the full story, visit our news partner, the Coeur d'Alene Press.
