Following a state review period, a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area will be available at certain times for the Village of Dennison.
Known as a DORA, participating establishments can sell alcohol in a specific cup allowing the buyer to walk in a designated area, and for Dennison this includes the downtown sections of Center Street and Grant Street.
Mayor Greg DiDonato says individuals purchasing the cup will only be allowed to walk around the DORA during Thursday and Friday from 5 to 9pm and then Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9pm.
“I’m just trying to be honest with you, as a small town you’re trying to figure how you’re going to be vibrant and sustainable, and this is just one more tool in the toolbox. I also strongly believe that if you do the same old thing, you’re going to get the same old results.”
Prior to Wednesday evenings vote, councilwoman Vickie O’Hara still opposed the legislation saying it’s a glorified open container.
“Where are these people going to go in Dennison? You want this whole downtown area. You’re close to schools, a lot of residential homes.”
Councilman Keane Edwards says the DORA is primarily for events.
“You can’t bring a cooler and sit on the corner and drink. The time you see people with a [cup] is if there’s something going on.”
The legislation ultimately passed 3 to 2, with one council person abstaining due to being a business owner.
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