The City of Ripon currently prohibits the consumption of alcohol within any public place, including streets, sidewalks, parking lots and parks.
Elected leaders may look to change that.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Ripon City Council will take a first look at the proposed changes on the ordinance as it relates to this matter.
An appointed committee recently reviewed the existing law as it relates to alcohol consumption and considered possible changes at the following places:
The Mistlin Sports Park Amphitheater as part of an organized performance-based event as sponsored by an approved Ripon non-profit organization.
Restaurants on Main Street between Stockton Avenue and Nourse Avenue. If approved, they would be required to apply for a permit to setup outdoor dining for April through October in the parking spaces in front of the business.
Downtown community dining event once a year on Main Street between Stockton and Walnut Avenue but only by an approved Ripon non-profit organization.
The proposed changes would also include the consumption of alcohol in the outdoor dining area of the participating places until no later than 9 p.m. These businesses would be required to have a minimum of four feet of unobstructed sidewalk for pedestrians.
“Over the years, there’s been a lot of conversation around town and at events in regards to this ordinance,” Councilman Leo Zuber at the August meeting.
While he didn’t have a rooting interest on matter, Zuber thought it was important to at least initiate a conversation.
“There’s no reason why something can’t be stipulated in the ordinance to allow for alcohol beverages to be consumed at certain venues and events,” Vice Mayor Dean Uecker said back then.
Council, in addition, will have a chance to look at the numerous licensing and regulations in regards to special events as well as other parts of this proposal at the 6 p.m. open session in the Council Chambers, 259 N. Wilma Ave.
For more information on the upcoming meeting, log on to www.cityofripon.org.