MADISON, Wis. -- The city of Madison is considering using snow fencing to keep Downtown Halloween partiers under control this year.

Last year, violence erupted after bar time in the 500 and 600 blocks of State Street.

But, a city committee planning this year's event wants to use snow fencing to block the Frances Street entrances to the 500 block of State Street "so that if we observe that one particular block is getting too crowded, the crowd isn't moving," said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. "We can temporarily limit access to the street at that point until the crowd clears up."

Cieslewicz said he wants to talk to bar owners about phasing down the party by ending alcohol sales and keeping their businesses open for an hour after that. He believes that would discourage lots of partiers from spilling onto State Street at one time.