Most Drinking in Public Outlawed

The Hawthorne City Council gave final approval Monday to a measure that outlaws drinking alcoholic beverages in public, except in restaurants, in other licensed establishments and, with a city permit, at public parks.

The council voted 4 to 0, with Councilwoman Ginny Lambert absent, to prohibit drinking alcoholic beverages on public sidewalks, streets and school grounds and to make the offense a misdemeanor.

Before its introduction last month, City Manager James H. Mitsch described the ordinance as a “cleanup” measure and said it would prevent any legal ambiguities about public drinking should the city be challenged in court.