State law now allows such areas by local design but there are strict regulations governing them as open container and public consumption laws are suspended.
The law allows residents and visitors to purchase alcoholic beverages from a business and then walk outside with that beverage but they must stay within a designated area.
Greene said the regulations require four permit holders to be included and signage is needed clearly denoting the area.
“The Board of Health requires that the cups be thrown out and buy new ones. They cannot be refilled,” she said. “Most cities create custom cups for the zone. There is an upfront cost for the cups. We are suggesting compostable cups and we will keep bins in the area with volunteers to help.”
Greene told council members the proposal is aimed at creating more business and visitors Uptown during the periods when Miami students are not here. That would include the summer months after the Wine Festival, from mid-May to mid-August, after the Porsche Show, and during the winter from mid-December to mid-January, during the holiday period and Miami’s J-term when there are fewer students.
The plan would be to operate the Outdoor Refreshment Area Thursdays through Sundays from noon until 10 p.m., with the bars ending service at 9:30 p.m.
“We would allow it only when Miami students are gone. Those are slow periods for our businesses,” she said.
The area proposed for the Outdoor Refreshment Area would be High Street from Beech Street to Campus Avenue, the south side of Church Street and the north side of Walnut Street.
“That’s a nice, simple square,” Greene said.
Mayor Mike Smith questioned that area, suggesting businesses on College Avenue or on High between College and Beech might be interested. Greene replied that if there is a need to expand the designated area, Council can change it.
Police Chief John Jones said he did not see a problem with the plan.
“I do not foresee any security issue. I could see an issue if we do it during the school year. I have talked to chiefs in other communities and see no problem,” Jones said.
Council member Bill Snavely said he thinks the Outdoor Refreshment Area idea is a great idea.
“It seems the public will be really happy about this,” he said. “It will bring people into town.”
Greene stressed the importance of the signage and said she spoke to representatives of other communities that have similar areas, saying, “There is a learning curve.”
Greene presented an approximate budget for the program with a range of items estimated at a cost of $5,780. That included the compostable cups, business window signs, educational flyers, social media geo-targeted ads and signage among other items.
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