Greencastle approves final reading of DORA District

Greencastle City Council approved a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) by a vote of 4-3.

It may have taken longer than Greencastle City Councilman Vincent Aguirre had wanted, but sometimes things are worth waiting for, even if they are four years in the making.

On Thursday evening, the Greencastle City Council approved a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) by a vote of 4-3. The measure, which was something Aguirre first pitched last July and asked for a committee to study the district, received yes votes from Aguirre and council members Tina Nicholson, Mark Hammer and Kathy Asbell. Voting no on the issue was David Masten, Stacie Langdon and Darrel Thomas. 

"We have been talking about this since July. That was the first time we discussed it. Voted for it in November, and, obviously had some hiccups, but it got brought across the finish line," Aguirre told The Putnam County Post. 

Last November, council voted 4-2 against the measure, sending it back to the drawing board. A month later, several downtown merchants showed up to voice support for the proposed measure, which was approved by a 5-2 decision. Last month, second reading was tabled due to several more questions. 

While there are currently laws on the books against public intoxication and drunk driving, there are no open container laws in Greencastle, something proponents of the measure brought up on more than one occasion. 

Aguirre said it is important for residents to understand drinking already takes place in Greencastle, and DORA will not expand that, but rather, will place limits around drinking. 

"When people first hear of DORA, the instinct is to pull back and say it will make it more encouraging to drink.It actually does the opposite. DORA allows our downtown merchants to sell beer or alcohol in to-go containers and people can walk around the downtown area. What is interesting about the DORA is it makes downtown drinking more restrictive. Currently, it is legal to open a six pack of beer outside of your office and drink that as long as you are not publicly causing a disturbance or get into your vehicle. Now, you will only be able to drink downtown in public spaces with a DORA cup," Aguirre said. 

In addition, it will allow people who are not quite ready to leave a business but have to, an opportunity to go walk downtown.

"Now, people don't have to chug that drink. Or, at First Fridays, it is illegal to cross from Starbucks to the north side of the square with a beverage. Those who understand that could chug their drink. Those who don't could be committing a crime and get stopped by excise," Aguirre said. 

Under the new ordinance, individuals 21 years of age and older will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved vendors and retail establishments and carry them outside the business to be consumed within the district's boundaries. 

As for when it will start, Aguirre said there are still several steps that have to be taken.

"The DORA does not start until we have signage up. We have to create signage for our downtown area when you enter and exit the district. We have to get the cups for businesses to purchase. We will also have to create decals for businesses that will opt in or opt out," Aguirre said. 

The district will be open Thursday through Saturday with set hours and will remain in place until council makes any changes in the future. 

"It is all year, every year Thursday through Saturday until we make an amendment as a city council. This can be utilized year round, and the hope is on the off-days we are able to draw some traffic downtown to our businesses. We want to make sure this works for everybody. Hopefully, this drives more foot traffic and people downtown into our businesses. And, I hope this encourages people to drink responsibility and come downtown to enjoy our businesses at a time when our businesses need more people to enjoy their businesses," Aguirre said.