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Council hears second-reading ordinance to exempt DORA sales from open-container rule; moves to third reading
Summary
The Common Council took up a second-reading ordinance June 3 that would amend the city’s public-drinking code to exempt designated DORA areas where patrons may purchase a beverage and walk in public; public comment opposed a proposed surcharge on cups, and the ordinance will advance to third reading.
The Michigan City Common Council held the second reading June 3 of an ordinance to amend Section 78‑6 of the Michigan City Municipal Code (drinking in public and private areas) to create an exemption for the city’s DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area).
Council members explained the amendment aligns the city’s public‑drinking code with the DORA framework that allows customers to purchase a refreshment from an authorized establishment and then walk within a designated public area. The ordinance’s sponsor said the change simply creates a code exemption for the DORA so the city code and DORA rules are consistent.
One public speaker, identified in the transcript as Tommy (address given as 1316 Ohio Street), urged the council to impose a surcharge on drinks removed from establishments — for example, a $1 per cup fee — to generate revenue for municipal employees, saying the primary benefit would go to bar owners. The council did not adopt a surcharge; the comment was part of the public‑comment period.
The ordinance was read by title and will proceed to third reading at a future meeting; no final passage occurred on June 3. Public comment on the ordinance at the second reading was limited to the single speaker registered during the meeting.
What’s next: the ordinance will be placed on the agenda for third reading at a subsequent council meeting where the council may vote on final passage.
