City commissioners agreed Monday to seek a city-held liquor license to allow beer on the municipal golf course.

City Administrator Scott Bovick said having beer on the golf course was considered an option as the city sought to replace a private contractor as pro shop manager with a city employee.

He said city commissioners were clear that it would only happen if it could be done legally and with someone with integrity to supervise it. He said the city earlier approved golf course management to apply for six special event licenses that would allow beer on the course because it is important for recruiting tournaments.

He said the city council has been apprehensive about allowing beer on the course because they want it to also be inviting to youth and people who do not drink.

Chief of Police Dave Lacy asked city commissioners to establish the boundaries of the Wildwood Golf course, so golfers and police know where the approved area stops and the rest of Wildwood and Steinhart parks begin.

He also said commissioners may need to change the city’s ordinance banning the consumption of alcohol on public property, such as streets or parks.

Lacy said it is a state law that you can not have an open alcohol container on a public roadway.

Bill Davis, city attorney, said golfers crossing Steinhart Park Road may be in violation of the open container law.

Bovick said a golf course in Omaha and Arbor Links at Nebraska City also have a public roadway to deal with.

City commissioners did not order a boundary study or changes to the open container ordinance on Monday, but voted to pursue the liquor license.