The Ripon City Council opted Tuesday to hold off on the amendment to the ordinance that prohibits the consumption of alcohol within any public place.
“We want to go back and rework this (amendment),” said City Attorney Tom Terpstra.
He and City Administrator Kevin Werner had concerns with the parts dealing with alcohol consumption as part of an organized performance-based event at Mistlin Sports Park’s amphitheater as well as the once-a-year downtown community dining event on Main Street, between Stockton Avenue and Walnut Avenue.
“We need to make sure we get this one right,” said Werner.
Elected leaders agreed.
“If we mess up just one thing (on this amendment) then the whole thing’s dead,” Councilman Leo Zuber said.
Terpstra noted that staff is OK with the one option to the ordinance on downtown outdoor dining on those Main Street businesses between Stockton Avenue and Nourse Avenue.
“We can work with that one,” he said.
The parts in question — community dining and organized performance-based event at Mistlin —- may fall under the Special Events Ordinance.
Staff could also look to the Ripon Chamber of Commerce for the specifics on those special events.
The proposed amendment does specify wine and beer as being allowed at the business and not hard alcohol of any kind.
Police Chief Ed Ormonde mentioned the reason for that.
“(Alcohol Beverage Control) limits what can be taken outside of restaurants,” he said.
The outdoor areas for those businesses receiving the permits would be valid from April through September, according to this part of the proposal.
In addition, the outdoor areas would be closed by 9 p.m.
The item will go back before Council at a later meeting.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.