Beech Grove’s proposal to allow outdoor alcohol consumption during designated time periods along Main Street and within Sarah T. Bolton Park has failed. The city council voted down the proposal 3-4 on July 6.
Community Reaction
Despite community support, with 246 people in favor and 51 against, the proposal was rejected. Councilor Dan McMillan stated, “I think we did a good thing for our citizens voting down the DORA.”
The debate centered on whether the DORA would boost the local business economy or lead to youth and adult alcoholism and illegal misconduct. Councilor Avis Frieson argued that “communities are made up of people who make both responsible and irresponsible choices,” but this didn’t sway the vote.
A recent incident at Sarah T. Bolton Park, where juveniles fired gunshots after a fireworks show, was referenced during the council meeting. It’s unclear whether alcohol was involved.
Decision and Next Steps
Councilors McMillan, Chris Duffer, Elizabeth Lamping, and Michael Hemmelgarn voted against the DORA, while Councilors Frieson, Ryan Matkins, and Mike Earnest were in favor. The council must now wait one year before voting on a similar ordinance.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
