HIGHLAND | It was a divided Town Council on Monday that passed an ordinance to prohibit alcohol from all public areas, including streets and parkways.

Prior to the meeting, Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro said sidewalk cafes are becoming popular and that the new ordinance would prohibit them.

"Outdoor dining is very important to revitalize a downtown area," she said.

When asked if businesses could seek variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals, Clerk-Treasurer Michael Griffin said the ordinance completely bans alcohol in public areas.

Council Vice President Konnie Kuiper, Highland First Coalition-5th, responded: "I'm sticking with it."

One sidewalk café that will have a special exemption is Langel's Pizza because permission was granted prior to the ordinance's creation. Another exemption will be residential block parties.

Before the final vote, Councilman Mark Herak, Highland First Coalition-2nd, made several motions to add more exemptions, including alcohol sales at the Highland Chamber of Commerce's annual Zest Fest. This motion failed because of the lack of a second.

Another motion also failed after Herak moved to exempt an annual sidewalk event held by another downtown bar, Growler's.

Meeting the same fate was Herak's motion to allow alcohol sales during adult softball tournaments at the Sharp Athletic Complex.

The final vote was 3-2, with Herak and Council President Bernie Zemen, D-1st, voting no. Voting yes were councilmen Kuiper, Brian Novak, D-4th, and Dan Vassar, Highland First Coalition-3rd.

After the meeting, Herak said it would now take a revision of the newly passed law for businesses to have sidewalk cafes.

One area the council voted unanimously on was a rate increase for refuse pickups.

Starting next month, the monthly fee will go to $16.25. Next May, the fees will increase to $16.90. In each instance, residents 65 or older will get a $1 discount.