When the Tahlequah City Council decided to allow the sales of beer in an outdoor “beer garden” at last Wednesday’s FreeWheel 2006, more than a few local residents grumbled.

Several points were brought up by detractors in an effort to prevent beer sales. The main concern seemed to have been the possibility that a number of people – both visitors and residents – would be staggering around drunk in the downtown area, which could lead to disorderly conduct or injuries to bystanders. Others feared the looser restrictions would allow the under-21 crowd easier access to beer. Another negative was the potential trash pile-up in the “celebration” area. And finally, a few people objected to beer sales because they believe drinking beer is a “sin.”

But now that FreeWheel and its accompanying SpeedWheel race have come and gone, it’s obvious the harbingers of doom were wrong, and some of those who expressed doubt have even admitted they were pleasantly surprised at the outcome. Everyone had a great time, hops fans were pleased with the availability of their cherished brew, and there were no alcohol-related accidents. And as far as residual trash, downtown merchants said there was next to none.

Part of the event’s success can be attributed to the crowd involved. Serious cyclists are generally health-and-fitness types who aren’t known for bingeing on booze. The same can be said for folks who accompany them on their journeys, and perhaps for spectators, many of whom are retirees or families with young children.

Another factor was the way the event was planned and managed. Plenty of police officers were on hand, keeping their eyes peeled for any trouble. Organizers and downtown merchants teamed up to make sure everything went off without a hitch.

In the beer garden, the brew was dispensed in disposable cups rather than glass containers, which can pose additional hazards. Yes, it’s true that some spectators were walking around with bottles of beer they’d purchased in nearby restaurants, but no one got out of hand, and if anyone had tried to, the nearest officer would have battened upon him like a duck on a junebug.

That’s not to say that no one became intoxicated, or that inebriation wouldn’t always be an issue at such events. But after all, the beer sold in the garden was of the 3.2 variety, which technically is classified as a “non-alcoholic beverage.” Most people would have to drink an awful lot of 3.2 beer, in a short span of time, to get drunk – and they’d probably get bloated and therefore stop drinking before they reached that point. As for the under-21 crowd, they can probably fob off their fake IDs more easily in a dark bar than outdoors, in public, with badges glinting everywhere.

Most of the situations detractors worried about, in fact, are just as likely to arise in the downtown area on an evening when no outdoor event had been staged. Determined drinkers don’t need a bicycle race to persuade them to get tanked at a nearby restaurant, where “in excess” beverages might also be available – beverages that take effect far more quickly than 3.2 beer. The fact that the event was there, along with the requisite crowd and police presence, no doubt had people on their best behavior. The vast majority of people will think twice before getting embarrassingly drunk, or littering, in front of a watchful crowd.

In other words, the very fact that beer was being sold in an outdoor garden was probably another reason the event went so smoothly. And that should send a clear message to community leaders: If properly organized and managed, the limited sale of beer at outdoor venues can be a boon for this city. Just ask any merchant who was involved this time.

The city council and Chamber of Commerce should study other ways similar events can be planned. The benefits are so obvious they don’t need to be listed. As for the negatives, it’s obvious Police Chief Steve Farmer and his officers can take care of any problems. Their easygoing attitude garnered plenty of positive comments from the crowd. Apparently officers realized that overzealous enforcement might have caused more problems than it would have solved, and would have put a damper on everyone’s good time. Watchful tolerance was a key, and they played the role well.

About the only complaint that can’t be rebuffed about city-sanctioned beer sales is the sin part, which surely everyone would agree is a matter of personal faith, which most Americans understand is not a restriction to be foisted off on others who have different values. Those who didn’t want to drink a beer didn’t have to, and they could enjoy every other aspect of the festivities just the same.

In terms of both profit and community cohesion, FreeWheel was good for Tahlequah, and so was the beer garden. Now that’s something everyone can raise a toast to.