Committee recommends two downtown DORA districts for special events, asks for operational details

The Ordinance and Licensing Committee voted unanimously to recommend municipal code revisions to create two designated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs) in downtown Waukesha, with use limited to special events.

Alderperson Helvinslaven described the proposal as two distinct DORA districts — one covering a large portion of downtown (including Riverfront Street to Wisconsin Avenue) and a smaller William Street area — with the rules applying only to the footprint of a permitted special event. "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," Helvinslaven said.

City attorneys and staff explained that state law limits remain in force (notably that open containers cannot be carried into licensed premises and that licensed premises cannot accept drinks purchased elsewhere), and that the municipal ordinance would rely on required signage and permit-holder enforcement rather than impose new city staffing burdens. A city attorney's office representative noted, "You still can't walk out of a licensed premises with an open container, and you cannot walk into a licensed premises with an open container that you bought elsewhere." Businesses and the Waukesha Downtown Business Association (WDBA) told the committee they were prepared to support pilot events with wristbands, additional trash cans and staff to manage refuse and compliance.

The committee recommended the ordinance to the common council, with members noting a pilot at William Street festival before broader implementation for larger events such as Friday Night Live.