DeKalb council approves downtown entertainment district ordinance in 7-1 vote

The DeKalb City Council voted 7–1 on May 11 to pass Ordinance 2026-017, which adds a Downtown Entertainment District to the city liquor code and permits participating businesses to allow customers to carry approved alcoholic beverages within a defined downtown area during approved events or under the program rules.

City staff described a revised map that includes the full sidewalk area on the north side of Locust Street between First and Fourth streets, excludes a private parking lot behind the 100 block of East Lincoln Highway and omits the memorial park and a vacant city lot at Fourth and Lincoln. Staff said participation is voluntary for businesses; participating outlets must use approved containers and verify patrons are 21 or older. Window decals and a public map will identify participating businesses and the permitted boundary.

Local businesses that run events told council they have already successfully managed similar arrangements during temporary events such as the Back Alley Market. Leslie Conklin, owner of Found Home and Vintage and an organizer of Back Alley Market, said the program "creates a more active and welcoming downtown" and asked for clarity about whether future taxes or assessments might attach to an entertainment district.

Council members discussed enforcement and officer discretion for cases where residents or nonparticipants are adjacent to the boundary; the chief will advise shifts on enforcement. Alderman Walker and others said prior pilot events have not produced reported public-safety problems. Alderman Verbick voted no, but the ordinance passed on second reading.

Next steps: The ordinance passed second reading; staff will implement signage and outreach to participating businesses and advise the police department on enforcement guidance.

(Reporting from council presentation, public comment and roll-call vote.)