The Madison Vending Oversight Committee unanimously voted Wednesday to recommend to the City Council to make permanent the ability for patrons to take alcoholic drinks on sidewalk cafAcs.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said a lot of controversy surrounded the decision to allow people to carry drinks outside. He said the Madison Police Department was opposed to letting patrons take alcoholic drinks outside on their own accord because they were fearful patrons would walk away with drinks.
According to Verveer, a one-year test run has been in place to monitor the effects of patrons taking their own alcohol outside at sidewalk cafAcs. He said it has since been a mute issue and few people have taken notice of the change.
""It's a pretty silly law,"" Verveer said. ""With no known problems in the one year that the pilot has taken place, it makes sense to make it permanent.""
Verveer said the repeal now moves to the City Council on April 17 for final vote.
