(Valley News Live) -The Fargo City Commission unanimously approved the creation of a new liquor license classification Monday night that would allow alcohol consumption throughout most of the concourse at Hector International Airport.
The commission directed the Assistant City Attorney and City Clerk to create the new “A-Airport” license classification. The vote moves the process forward but does not yet authorize alcohol in the concourse — that will come once the new license classification is formally created.
The proposal would allow travelers to purchase alcohol from Sky Dine, the airport’s concessionaire since 2011, and carry their drinks throughout most of the concourse. Certain areas would remain alcohol-free, including restrooms, the children’s play area, sensory room, immersive reality room, mother’s nurturing room, animal relief area and the security checkpoint.
The push to expand alcohol consumption beyond the bar area has been in the works since March 2025. Sky Dine and the Fargo Municipal Airport Authority appeared before the Liquor Control Board three times — in January, February and May of 2026 — before the board recommended the commission create the new license classification. The Liquor Control Board approved the recommendation on July 15.
Sky Dine currently holds a Class A license, which restricts alcohol purchases and consumption to the bar area on the second level post-security. The Airport Authority previously explored a stadium-style license but determined it would not meet its needs.
Sky Dine already holds similar licenses at airports in Illinois, Indiana and Colorado.
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