Sounds on the Square drinking OK'd

Discussion about two people being charged for violation of Havre’s open container law during last week’s Sounds on the Square program prompted a flare-up at Monday night's City Council meeting.

Joe Ross and Shawn Holden, president of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce, appeared before council asking that the city allow use of open containers for the three remaining sessions of Sounds on the Square this season. Chamber officials were upset about the sudden crackdown on the open container law violations.

The weekly concerts on Town Square have been taking place for 10 years without incident, they said.

City officials insisted that the city had the authority to cite people for drinking at Sounds on the Square even though Town Square is not a city park — it is privately owned but operated by the Chamber.

Police Chief Gabe Matosich pointed to city ordinances which require groups holding public events, even on private property, to ensure that there are controls against open containers, underage drinking and leaving the premises with open containers.

Seeking to calm things down, council member Andrew Brekke asked council to approved allowing open containers for the rest of this year. A discussion on future years could be held next year, he said.

“They are asking for leniency here,” Brekke said of the Chamber.

“I don’t want to see anything happen to this event,” said council member Allen “Woody” Woodwick. “It’s a neat event, and it’s picking up momentum.”

Council voted 6-1 to approve Brekke’s resolution.

Council member Brian Barrows voted no. He said if the Chamber touts the program as a family affair, then alcohol shouldn’t be allowed.

Then, Debbie Vandeberg, the Chamber’s executive director, went to the podium, telling council members she was “sad and disappointed,” that the young man had been ticketed for open container violation.

She said the man and his wife were listening to the music when ticketed.

“I am embarrassed,” she said, telling the council she will personally pay the fine.

She said some other people had prompted the city to “cause undue scrutiny” on Sounds of the Square, “which has always been very successful.”

After the meeting, Mayor Tim Solomon defended the police, saying they were not targeting the Chamber, but were monitoring a local tavern. He said the man was apparently in an area bar and left with the open container.

He said Vandeberg’s comments were based on “misinformation.”

He said police have a responsibility to enforce the open container ordinances.

Matosich said police have observed people violating the open container law at Sounds on the Square and there had been complaints made to City Hall about the use of alcohol at the event.