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Council holds second reading on draft DORA ordinance to allow designated outdoor refreshment areas
Summary
Council held a second reading of a draft ordinance to permit designated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs) downtown; the measure is intended to allow controlled alcohol consumption in defined public areas for events, subject to state tamper-evident-container rules and special-event permitting.
The council conducted a second reading on a draft ordinance to permit designated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs) within parts of downtown Waukesha. The referral originated from a request by the Waukesha Downtown Business Association (WDBA) and is designed to allow alcoholic beverages in specified public areas during permitted events, such as Friday Night Live, subject to conditions set by the ordinance and state law.
The presenting council member said the ordinance is not specific to Friday Night Live but would allow organizers of Friday Night Live or other permitted events to designate a DORA footprint where consumers 21 and older could carry and drink beverages in tamper-evident sealed containers issued by licensed establishments. Brian (city attorney) and other staff clarified that state laws governing open containers and sales remain in force: drinks must leave the licensed premises in an unopened original container or with a tamper-evident seal, and state rules continue to prohibit taking an open container into another licensed premises.
Council members discussed operational details, including coordination with the WDBA, the need for tamper-evident seals, policing and garbage collection, and whether the city would incur additional costs. Staff said no direct city budget impact was expected; most of the added event management effort would be borne by event organizers such as the WDBA. Council members from multiple districts expressed support for a measured trial approach — staff and WDBA representatives said a smaller festival (William Street Festival or similar) could serve as an early pilot before any broad use for Friday Night Live.
The item remains at second reading and will return to the council with maps and final draft language. Staff and business association representatives were present to answer questions.
