The Manteca City Council on a 5-0 vote approved an ordinance amendment to allow consumption of alcohol at Woodward Park and Library Park for permitted gatherings and special events, bringing those parks in line with existing allowances at Marion Elliot (formerly Lincoln) Park and Northgate Community Park.

The ordinance change was framed as a narrow allowance for permitted events, not an open public drinking rule. "It's not like they can just come and drink alcohol at the park," Recreation and Community Services Manager Brandy Clark said. She told the council applicants must complete the standard reservation and special-event application process and supply insurance.

Under the city's permitting process, applicants must show general-liability insurance and, for events selling alcohol, obtain the appropriate Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license and ABC-approved fencing or gated “beer garden” areas. "That's an ABC requirement," Clark said of roped or fenced areas; the city also requires applicants to pay any higher ABC fees for sales of hard alcohol.

Stephanie, the city's risk analyst in Risk Management, explained the insurance requirement covers general liability for injuries or damage that may arise at the event. Chief Schler of the Police Department said enforcement will remain complaint-driven: officers would respond if people were found consuming alcohol outside designated gated areas. "They could be cited for open container in public," Schler said. He added that permitted events historically have not produced significant problems.

Council members pressed staff about how the rule would work at Woodward Park, which has a splash pad and a large shade structure used for family gatherings. Clark said permitted picnic rentals would be limited to the reserved shade structure, while larger special events — such as Parkapalooza or Music on Maple — could be permitted to use roped-off areas on the grass if approved and fenced per ABC rules. She said for many events security is required; the city's standard has been one security guard per 100 attendees and the applicant pays that cost.

Several council members and the interim city attorney emphasized that the amendment is limited: alcohol remains prohibited without a permit and the city will continue to review requests case by case. Vice Mayor Halford said the change simply brings Woodward into alignment with the other community parks. Council Member Lackey asked what insurance covered; staff said it covers general-liability claims including injuries and property damage.

Council Member Breitenbucher moved approval; Council Member Morwitt seconded. The motion passed 5-0.

The ordinance language was introduced as a first reading by substitution of the title; staff said the permitting and insurance rules and ABC requirements will govern how the policy is applied.

Council direction and next steps: staff will implement the amended code, continue to post permitting rules on the city website, and apply existing enforcement practices to permitted events. For now, park users can expect those permits and insurance to be required for alcohol at the two parks.