DORA Hours In Question

As Bryan prepares for the second year of its Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area program, city officials are considering a request from county judges regarding the program’s hours. During the city council meeting, the Mayor explained that the program…which allows customers to purchase alcoholic beverages at participating downtown retailers…and carry and consume that beverage in the designated area…expires at the end of the calendar year. The mayor has asked the council to renew the program under the existing rules. She adds though…she had gotten an email from Williams County Commissioner, Lew Hilkert, who said judges in the county courthouse had asked that the city consider amending the DORA hours to 5-11 p.m. The program currently is in effect from noon to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The thought is…the judges may take issue with people looking out their courtroom windows…to see people drinking alcohol. No response to that from the bench. The Mayor says up to now…there have been no problems with the program…whatsoever. That surprises some.