GiaQuinta commends Fort Wayne City Council decision allowing outdoor refreshment areas

Last night, members of the Fort Wayne City Council unanimously approved the city's first Designated outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). This decision is a direct result of Senate Enrolled Act 20, passed last legislative session, which was sponsored by House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne).

GiaQuinta offered the following statement today regarding the decision:

“This decision from the City Council is a great step forward for Fort Wayne businesses. Other cities have reaped the benefits of DORAs, and I'm excited to see the impact here in Fort Wayne. This will help us boost tourism to downtown Fort Wayne and enhance visitor's experiences.

“Under the parameters of the bill, a city can have no more than seven DORAs, all of which need approval from Mayor Tom Henry's office to permit customers to have an open container outside, and all drinks must be disposed of within the designated area. It's important to note that this first DORA will be a trial run for our city, and it is vital that we take all the necessary steps to ensure it is not abused and that we prioritize public safety.

“It was a great honor to sponsor this bill last session, because I know it will bring extraordinary benefits for Fort Wayne businesses and our local economy. I'm thankful to the City Council for making this possible for our great city and look forward to seeing its impact.”