Keokuk, IA – City code currently states that alcohol is prohibited on public property in Keokuk.
The city council has granted exemptions for special events like Rollin on the River in Victory Park and Wine Over Water on the city's observation deck.
The panel denied a request, though, to allow alcohol in Rand Park for the Cajun Cook-Off several months ago.
Opponents said alcohol should not be allowed in family-friendly parks, including Rand Park and Kilbourne Park.
6th Ward alderwoman Karole Smith says the city should create a special event permit.
She says that way, if all requirements are met, an event could take place on any piece of public property, including Rand Park.
"I hate to say that we have no alcohol in any of our city property," says Smith, "because then it is basically restricting us on what we can and may do."
Kevin Helmick says he agrees that events should be allowed in any park as long as they meet all city requirements.
Former 4th Ward alderman Roger Bryant disagrees.
He says alcohol should not be allowed in Rand Park.
"Because I know that if there is any accident of any kind, the city will get sued," says Bryant.
He says he has no problem with alcohol being served along the Mississippi riverfront, just not in parks in residential neighborhoods.