Dunkirk’s weekly Music on the Pier has featured beer for almost as long as the event has been in existence. But for some reason, council members — namely Nancy Nichols — are taking issue with it this summer.

During the July 5 meeting, Nichols broached the topic saying she’s heard concerns about the city being in the beer-selling business. In addition, she wondered about a tip jar — and where those funds go.

This, unfortunately, is one more instance of city leaders making skyscrapers out of backyard sheds. There’s not a lot to this. If there was, this should have been brought up long before this administration took over the Dunkirk Local Development Corp.’s work with the festivals.

Even Vince DeJoy, city development director, seemed taken aback. “Having this beer tent helps support the events and the efforts we’re trying to bring,” DeJoy said. “That music, and everything that goes along with it, is not free. But it’s free to the people here to come and enjoy — and selling beer is one way the city utilizes the Dunkirk Local Development Corporation to fund these events and to create more events, and fun events.”

Remember, some on this council authorized themselves a $2,000 bonus last year with American Rescue Plan Act funds because of all their hard work during the pandemic. Now, once again, in a city with a $25 million budget these same lawmakers are worrying about the pennies.

This petty stuff has to stop.