CROWLEY – The city is apparently going to take steps to do something about underage drinking at the annual Rice Festival.

At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, officials discussed the Police Department’s concerns about managing late-night crowds at the event which draws thousands to the city.

During the Revenue and Finance committee’s report, it was suggested that it will be unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to possess an open alcohol container on the festival grounds.

People 21 and over will still be able to drink on the grounds, however, they must purchase an arm band approved by the city which would show that they would be able to legally possess alcoholic beverages.

“Of course it may not be real popular at first but underage drinking is illegal anyway and we don’t want the city to face any liability in case of a tragedy,” said Crowley Mayor Greg Jones.