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Committee recommends DORA ordinance to council; limits applied to event footprints
Summary
The Ordinance and Licensing Committee voted unanimously to recommend revisions to Municipal Code 11.27 to allow designated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs) in two defined downtown footprints, with operational rules tied to special event permits and required signage.
The Waukesha City Ordinance and Licensing Committee on June 9 unanimously recommended revisions to Municipal Code Section 11.27 to permit designated outdoor refreshment areas, or DORAs, in two defined downtown footprints.
Alderperson Alicia, who led the referral, told the committee the draft creates two DORA districts covering a large portion of the downtown and a separate footprint for William Street. The ordinance would allow open alcoholic beverages only during specified special events within the defined event footprint. “The idea behind this is to allow for people during special events only to be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages outside during, again, special events only,” Alicia said.
City staff and the City Attorney’s Office said the ordinance ties DORA authority to the special-event permit and any required street closure. The draft requires clear signage at DORA boundaries so attendees are aware where open containers are allowed. The ordinance also imposes operational responsibilities on event permit holders—trash and cleanup, organizer enforcement of wristbands and compliance, and coordination with participating licensed establishments. The draft expressly notes state law remains controlling: a municipal DORA cannot override state prohibitions that bar carrying open containers into or out of licensed premises.
Committee members and a representative of the Waukesha Downtown Business Association (WDBA) discussed enforcement mechanics, wristband counterfeiting, signage and trash collection. City staff said the WDBA indicated readiness to provide additional trash receptacles and staffing for cleanup for events. The committee agreed the draft is best piloted on a smaller event footprint before applying it citywide; members said the William Street festival would be a likely initial test.
A motion by Alderperson Helvinsleben, seconded by Alderperson Mannion, to recommend the 11.27 revisions to the Common Council carried by unanimous voice vote. The committee and staff said the draft can be further refined during the council review process.
