WEST CARTHAGE — The West Carthage Fire Department will be allowed to offer beer at its motorcycle poker run fundraiser June 16.

The village Board of Trustees, at its May meeting, decided to allow the Fire Department to have alcohol served following the poker run, after ensuring safety measures were in place.

Fire Chief Peter M. Crump Jr. said he had met with Police Chief David J. Pustizzi to develop a plan. Mr. Crump said beer would be served by staff of the Wicked Wench, which would obtain a one-day license to sell alcohol off-site, from 5 to 7 p.m. in a cordoned-off area with four officers on duty.

The Fire Department will hold its 160-mile motorcycle poker run June 16. Registration will start at 10 a.m. at the station, 61 High St. The cost of the run is $20, with an additional $10 for a rider, chicken barbecue included. The ride starts at 11 a.m., stopping in Carthage, Alexandria Bay, Sackets Harbor, Copenhagen and Croghan.

Trustee David Z. Rounds expressed concern about liability from holding the event on village property. “We have never had a problem,” Mr. Crump said, referring to the serving of alcohol at Fire Department field day events. He assured the board that anyone who caused a problem would be removed from the premises.

The board unanimously passed the measure with the stipulation that the village be named an additional insured on the Wicked Wench policy and receive a copy of the license, pending approval from the state Liquor Authority.

Proceeds of the event will benefit the Fire Department equipment fund.

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