UPDATE: City Council Approves Tougher Parade Drinking Restrictions

It's now official. 

City officials have given the go-ahead to an ordinance that imposes harsher punishments and tighter restrictions on drinking and intoxication during parades. 

"I believe this ordinance will make parades in our great city safer," O'Shea said before the ordinance was unanimously approved Wednesday afternoon.

The ordinance passed committee last week.

Read: Parade Route Boozers May Face Harsher Fines

"It helps us work within our security plan and with the Chicago Police Department so that many of the old behaviors don't come back," Joe Connelly, co-chair of the South Side Irish Parade committee, said last week. "There is really no room for open alcohol and this ordinance just further reinforces that."

But Lake View Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) says he's less concerned about the harsher fines and more concerned with how many officers are on the streets. With the gay pride parade drawing an enormous crowd, Tunney says he thinks police presence may be more important.

“What I’m concerned about, fine or not, who’s managing the parade for the overall quality of life,” Tunny said. “Whether you arrest someone or write them a ticket, it takes (an officer) off the streets. I think we’ve had a pretty good relationship with or police department on how to manage the parade. … We’ll see what the reaction is on the South Side. I think there will be an emphasis on the gay pride parade.”

The ordinance increases the punishment of those found in violation within 200 feet of a parade route. It will apply to all parades within the city. 

• Drinking on the public way increases from a minimum of $100 and maximum of $500, to a minimum of $500 and maximum of $1,000.

• Intoxication by a minor rises from $25 for the first violation and $100 for subsequent violations to $500 or 25 hours of community service.

• Public urination or defecation will increase from a minimum of $100 and maximum of $500, to $500 and $1,000 respectively.

Editor's Note: This article was updated with comments from Ald. Tom Tunney.