The Ripon City Council has taken another step  towards allowing alcoholic beverages to be served at certain outdoor dining establishments in downtown along with organized performance-based events at the Mistlin Sports Park amphitheater.
Included would be spirits to go along with beer and wine – depending on the business’ ABC license – and moving the hours of operation, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. (based on business hours).
“What they serve inside they should be allowed to serve outside,” said Councilman Leo Zuber of those businesses that were to be granted alcohol beverage permits for the outdoor dining experience.
At a previous meeting, staff recommendation called for omitting alcohol beverages to be served at the once-a-year downtown community dining event on Main Street between Stockton Avenue and Nourse Avenue.
The downtown dining establishments would be open to those businesses on Main Street, from Acacia Avenue to Nourse Avenue.
Tamra Spade, who is the CEO / President of the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, supports the changes to the ordinance.
She believes it can enhance the downtown dining experience while keeping folks who frequent those places close to the home.
“It’s important for people in Ripon to stay in Ripon,” she said.
Others like the idea of having certain spirits – for example, a Margarita to go along with a taco dinner – to be served with their entrée.
Staff will add to latest changes to the “Outdoor Dining within A Public Right-of-Way” and “Licensing and Regulations of Special Events” ordinances for further review and approval at next month’s meeting.

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