Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the DORA Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee recommends DORA ordinance to council, limiting open-container zones to event footprints
Summary
The committee recommended updates to municipal code 11.27 to authorize two designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) districts — including a downtown footprint and a William Street district — and clarified that open-container permissions would apply only to the delineated special-event footprint within the larger district; the recommendation passed unanimously.
The Waukesha City Ordinance and Licensing Committee voted unanimously June 9 to recommend proposed revisions to municipal code 11.27 to allow designated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs) for special events.
Ald. Helvinslaven described two proposed DORA districts — a larger downtown footprint (including Riverfront Street up to Wisconsin Avenue) and a separate William Street area — and said the rules would permit open alcoholic beverages only during specified special events, not as a permanent citywide policy. The presenter emphasized required signage and organizer responsibilities: "This particular ordinance is not dealing with sidewalk cafes... signage would be required," and the draft ties DORA activation to special event permits and street closures.
Committee members pressed on operational details, including how licensed premises would prevent open containers from leaving a licensed establishment, tamper-evident seals and wristband systems, and trash collection responsibilities. The city attorney's office representative noted state law still forbids walking out of a licensed premises with an open container and that organizers and permit holders would carry primary enforcement responsibility.
Several members said the William Street festival would be used as a pilot before applying the DORA to larger events such as Friday Night Live. After discussion, the committee moved to forward the ordinance to the common council for consideration; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The committee emphasized that signage and permit-holder responsibilities will be important operational elements if the council adopts the ordinance.
