DeKALB | Part of students’ tradition of using Reading Day as a day to party is in jeopardy.

The normal outlets for alcohol will still exist, but the city-permitted outdoor parties on the eve of Reading Day may be shut down.

At the DeKalb City Council meeting Monday, council members revised the chapter of the liquor code titled “Outdoor Special Events” but sent the Reading Day stipulation back to the liquor commission for review. The next liquor commission meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St., in room 212.

It is likely that no permits will be issued on the day of or the day before Reading Day in the city’s effort to promote “responsible drinking.”

NIU has set aside Reading Day for students to study before finals. Many bars, however, offer outdoor concerts and other events the day before Reading Day and throughout the whole weekend.

Mayor Frank Van Buer said he was encouraged by the student response and is hoping there will be more involvement at future liquor commission meetings.

“I have no problem with this going back to the liquor commission,” Van Buer said.

Students expressed opposition to the proposal, to a mixed reaction by council members. After these comments were made, 7th Ward Alderman James Barr motioned for the item to be sent back to the liquor commission for further review and to give students an opportunity to voice their opinions at future liquor commission meetings.

“I would support this proposal,” said 3rd Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan. “I think it would be a healthy thing.”

City attorney Norma Guess interrupted the council to remind them that revisions made to the liquor code are ongoing and the liquor commission has looked at all of the ordinances at least once.

“There has not been any student appearance at any liquor commission meeting,” Guess said.

Kapitan reiterated that this particular part of the code would not have any impact until the end of the semester, thus giving the liquor commission time to discuss the proposal.

The legislation amended Monday would only allow one outdoor permit on any given day, unless the organization applying for the outdoor permit is a non-profit organization. Whether the police chief has enough manpower to staff another event is at his discretion.

It also would change the time limits for the outdoor event. An event on a Sunday through Thursday would have to shut down at 10 p.m. while an outdoor event on a Friday or Saturday would have to shut down at 11 p.m.

Noise levels would also be monitored at outdoor events. Several council members said the noise from outdoor parties on the eve of Reading Day can be heard all the way on the south side of town.

Janessa Ensinger is the DeKalb city government beat reporter for the Northern Star.