FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Fort Wayne’s Community Development Department is proposing changes to the Downtown Dining District and the Riverfront Liquor License.
The district was implemented in 2015, along with a special alcohol license for eligible businesses, in an attempt to stimulate the growth of downtown.
Ten years later, they say data suggests that some of the restrictions put in place back then are no longer fitting. The proposal aims to address them:
- Businesses included in the district are currently required to be open a minimum of 300 days per year. The proposal will bring that number down to 210.
- Businesses benefiting from the Rivefront Liquor License must maintain a ratio of at least 50% non-alcohol sales to total sales, meaning alcohol sales can’t comprise more than half of their total revenue for a year. The proposal will allow businesses to have up to 75% total revenue come from alcohol sales.
- The annual fee for the Riverfront Liquor License is $2500. The proposal will increase it to $3500. The extra funds will be allocated towards marketing.
- The geographical boundaries of the district drawn in 2015 are too limiting. The proposal will expand it to include a portion of West Main Street.
City Council President Russ Jehl (R-2nd District) says he supports the proposal and doesn’t expect it to have any issues passing…