Rochester considers downtown outdoor drinking area

Ordinances to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in the city's downtown were introduced and taken under consideration at the Rochester City Council's meeting Tuesday. 

The Rochester City Council will soon determine whether it should allow of-age community members the ability to buy alcoholic drinks downtown and carry them around a designated area. 

On Tuesday, the council got its first look at a draft ordinance to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in the city's downtown. It was presented by Councilwoman Amy Roe with the support of nine downtown establishments. Roe also shared with fellow council members a separate, but related DORA ordinance specifically pertaining to special events downtown.

In introducing the two ordinances, Roe noted the council would not be taking any action on them yet. Rochester Mayor Trent Odell later indicated that they would likely receive two readings at the council's next meeting, Sept. 24. That would put a third reading and a possible vote on the council's Oct. 22 agenda. 

Tuesday's meeting was attended by a handful of downtown business owners in support of establishing a DORA, as well as Warsaw Councilman Jack Wilhite. He spoke in favor of Warsaw's downtown DORA, which kicked off in mid-May during the city's Fat & Skinny Tire Fest.

"I don't know about other council members, I have been contacted by a couple of people who are against this for the reason of drinking on public streets and maybe the message that sends to children," Councilman Mart Smith said. 

Wilhite responded, noting that same concern prompted one member of the Warsaw City Council to vote against establishing a DORA. However, he went on to note that having one in place can actually help confine drinking in public and provide better control for law enforcement, as a designated cup is required of those wanting to drink publicly in a DORA. 

"Being pretty conservative, I initially favored establishing a DORA that would be for special events only," Wilhite said. "After discussions with our police department, it became apparent that for continuity and to help stifle confusion, establishing a time period of 365 days a year was our best plan."

Since establishing a DORA, Warsaw officials reportedly have not heard any complaints or seen an uptick in alcohol-related incidents. Furthermore, Wilhite pointed out that it can help promote the downtown area and support local businesses.

"It seems to be bringing people downtown more, it better regulates alcohol consumption and it helps retain special events downtown," Wilhite added. "Now, what works for Warsaw may not work for Rochester. I don't pretend to know your community as well as I know my own. I know it has worked well for us."

He left for the council to peruse a copy of Warsaw's DORA ordinance, an accompanying map and press clippings, as well as his contact information for members to call with questions they might have moving forward.

Designated permitees in the proposed DORA have reportedly agreed to share the cost of marketing and implementation, including necessary signage both on the street and on the doors of those participating establishments. Additionally, DORA maps and cups would be available through the Rochester Downtown Partnership.