ROCKFORD — The Rockford River District’s Entertainment District has been active now for three days. The pilot program allows patrons to take alcoholic beverages to select participating businesses. Board President John Groh says he hopes the new ordinance will enhance the overall visit of people in the downtown area, possibly expanding to other areas.
“It could be replicated in other commercial districts similar to downtown in other parts of the community in Rockford. I think that would be an indication of success,” said Groh.
Groh says other focuses for renewing the ordinance include customers utilizing the entertainment district’s open-container policy footprint, bar and restaurant sales increase, and customer satisfaction.
The owner of Magpie, Stephanie Caltagerone, is a part of the program pilot phase. Magpie has seen a low number of people using the to-go cups. However, the owner is confident that numbers will increase in warmer months.
The Rockford River District’s Entertainment District has been active now for three days. The pilot program allows patrons to take alcoholic beverages to select participating businesses. Board President John Groh says he hopes the new ordinance will enhance the overall visit of people in the downtown area, possibly expanding to other areas.
“We were open Friday night. We sold a couple of to-go cups. I’m sure that will garner strength as it gets warmer in the spring. I’m all for anything bringing more foot traffic,” said Caltagerone.
However, due to the decline in foot traffic downtown, she feels the current hours of the Entertainment District should better accommodate retail store hours.
“I think the foot traffic on the weekdays has dropped off more dramatically than any other foot traffic patterns. Why would we start that at 4 pm when the retail establishments are getting ready to close?” said Caltagerone.
The Entertainment District will go before the city council for revision and potential renewal in the fall.
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