DDA explores creating downtown 'social district'; working group to define boundaries and rules

The Downtown Development Authority discussed whether a social district — an area where alcoholic drinks can be carried between licensed establishments on sidewalks — is appropriate for downtown Portland. Staff outlined criteria: multiple restaurants/bars, overlapping hours and public spaces to encourage lingering. "The next step then is to create a working group," staff said, proposing city staff, the police chief and a city council member meet Tuesday mornings at 9:45 a.m. to draft boundaries and rules.