NEWPORT — City commissioners Monday approved the first reading of a pair of ordinances dealing with demonstrations and civil unrest, just weeks after riots in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine resulted in property damage and numerous arrests.

        One ordinance would require permits for any outdoor demonstrations on public property, and the other calls for prohibition of the sale of any alcoholic beverage during a declared emergency or civil unrest.

        “We want to be very proactive when it comes to public safety,” City Manager Phil Ciafardini said. “I don't want to say that this is a direct reaction to what happened in Cincinnati, but it's a good time to look at your own house when something happens right across the river.”

        The ordinances will receive a second reading and, if approved, will be adopted at the next City Commission meeting June 18.

        “It's just good government to be prepared,” Mr. Ciafardini said.

        “We want to anticipate what could possibly happen as the city grows and the entertainment district is about to open. We don't want to have to react after something happens.”

        The $200 million Newport on the Levee entertainment district is scheduled to open this fall, with theaters, restaurants and shops on the shore of the Ohio River at Third Street, and city officials expect the Levee to attract thousands of visitors to Newport.

        Commissioners also approved first readings on a series of ordinances to define the city manager's powers to approve after-hours operation of businesses holding liquor licenses, and authorizing the city manager to grant permission for sale of alcoholic beverages at special outdoor events.

        Commissioners Jan Knepshield and Beth Fennell voted no on the pair of ordinances that would enable the city manager to grant sale of alcohol after normal licensed hours, stating they were concerned that it could lead to more problems for the police department if several establishments were permitted to sell drinks after hours. Both ordinances passed, 3-2.

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