A new City of Manitowoc Ordinance has created a new designated area downtown.
The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, allows licensed establishments to serve alcoholic beverages in an approved container that enables the patron to leave with an open container.
The person can then walk around the designated area with the beverage but can’t enter another business with it.
According to the ordinance, the DORA would promote economic activity and support local businesses downtown.
Finance Committee Chairman Jim Brey told the council that five businesses downtown had expressed interest in the area and would benefit the city.
7th District Alderman Brian Anderson voted against the ordinance, saying he’s concerned about issues brought up by the police department, which seem to be against the idea.
The DORA is located north of Washington Street between S. 10th and S. 7th Street and south of Chicago Street between N. 7th and N. 11th Street.
It also includes the area of the Wharf, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and the River Point District.
