East Dundee will test the idea of creating a downtown outdoor drinking area by trying it at four summer events this year.
The pilot program will allow festival-goers to buy alcoholic beverages from downtown businesses that they can consume off-premises within a designated area. Currently, the village’s ordinances do not allow off-premise consumption beyond sidewalk cafes.
Village Manager Erika Storlie, speaking at a recent East Dundee Village Board meeting, told trustees that staff is proposing a trial run of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, shortened to DORA, so they can evaluate how it works.
Trustees agreed to give it a try this summer at two Motor Mondays, a Wind Down Wednesday and a Thirsty Thursday, which are regular downtown events.
Trustee Kathleen Mahony said she had qualms about what residents might think of the concept and suggested the village survey community members before implementing the pilot program.
“There are so many residents in this area that are constantly subjected to the after-hours of the nightlife here in the village,” Mahony said. “My biggest concern is how it’s going to impact them.
“We hear from the businesses all the time. They want more. We (don’t go) to our residents until one person complains,” she said.
Beyond that, the area would benefit only those businesses in the immediate area, “giving them a little bit of a leg up,” she said.
Village President Dan Pearson disagreed, saying he believed the concept would benefit all downtown businesses.
A perimeter fence would still be put up for each special event, as is the village’s current practice, Pearson said. Attendees would need a wristband to purchase a beverage inside a bar or restaurant before they can take it into designated area, he said.
Beverages won’t be served in glasses and won’t be allowed outside the area, he said.
Businesses potentially could save money on labor costs by not needing to staff an outdoor tent outside their location in addition to their indoor space, officials said. If businesses want to continue to set up something in front of their business, nothing will stop them from doing so, Pearson said.
He has discussed the idea with business owners downtown and found support for the pilot program, he said.
It will be reviewed before the board is asked if it wants to make it a permanant addition. An ordinance laying out the details on how its operation would have be approved, officials said.
East Dundee’s Public Works Department currently sets up tents for the weekly downtown events, and the village provides the electricity. Last year, the village also paid for businesses’ health department fees.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.