GiaQuinta, Miller celebrate passage of bill giving localities options for ‘outdoor refreshment areas’

This week, House Bill 1349 passed the House Chamber with an 87-7 bipartisan vote. House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) and State Representative Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) advocate for their colleagues in the Senate to support the legislation. The bill passed yesterday gives localities options for outdoor refreshment areas, which includes similar language to the legislators’ House Bill 1442. 

HB 1442, authored by GiaQuinta and co-authored by Miller, allows a municipality to create an outdoor refreshment area in which persons may consume alcoholic beverages purchased within the area with the approval of the alcohol and tobacco commission.

Similarly, HB 1349 allows a city or town to designate an outdoor location to serve as an alcoholic refreshment area with the approval of the alcohol and tobacco commission.

“I am thankful to see House Bill 1349 pass because prioritizing economic development is on the forefront of our minds this session,” GiaQuinta said. “Expanding outdoor refreshment area options is a commonsense proposal meant to add life back into local economies across our state. This bill embodies House Democrats' goals for strengthening Hoosier small businesses.” 

Miller was also pleased with the support the bill has received. 

“This bill would allow those enjoying The Landing or Electric Works the opportunity to purchase drinks from local vendors and also enjoy the arts and entertainment going on in the common areas. I remain dedicated to making Fort Wayne a place where folks want to live, work and play, and this bill goes a long way toward that goal. I’m excited to see what this bipartisan legislation does for the Fort Wayne area.” 

As HB 1349 advances into the next Chamber, Democratic lawmakers hope that its passage through the Senate is supported.