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KEOKUK, IOWA -- UPDATED: December 30 at 7 a.m.

Keokuk's alcohol controversy is now in the hands of the new city council.

For months Keokuk has been in debate about allowing alcohol and beer in public places including city parks.

Earlier this month, the Keokuk City Council voted 5-3 to approve an ordinance to allow alcohol in parks with the council's approval.

According to the Daily Gate City, it's been determined at least six votes were needed to enact it at that point.

A new council is sworn in after the first of the year ... which means the outcome of the alcohol and beer ordinance may change significantly.

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UPDATED: December 1 at 10:10 a.m.

Thursday night the Keokuk City Council will decide whether to allow alcohol to be served in public places during events.

The council has been discussing the divisive issue since the middle of May when Cajun Cookoff organizers requested a beer tent at Rand Park. A divided council denied the request.

Since then, several other events have gotten permission, but without heated debate.

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UPDATED: November 22

Keokuk Mayor Tom Marion spoke today about what passing the amendment would mean for the city of Keokuk.

"One of the things we have been passing is just exceptions to allow individual events and if you keep doing that then it costs money each time you do that and you have to file a publication. So it becomes kind of unwieldy right now. It'll mean stability to the city and we will know where and when and how"

Keokuk may soon have a firm decision on whether alcohol can be served in public places during events.

According to the Daily Gate City, Mayor Tom Marion set a date to make a final decision on the divisive issue at the regular council meeting December first.

You'll recall the council has been discussing the matter since the middle of May when Cajun Cookoff organizers requested a beer tent at Rand Park.   A divided council denied that request.

Since then, several other events have gotten permission, but not without debate.

Click here to read more from the Daily Gate City. 

A public meeting is set for this Tuesday to discuss the ordinance.

Click here to read more about the issue.