Downtown DeLand Businesses Get A Boost From The City

DeLand, FL – The DeLand City Commission approved a resolution yesterday (August 17) that will allow downtown merchants the opportunity to create outdoor seating areas every Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. in order to attract more customers.  Several downtown merchants initially proposed the measures that will allow for people to enjoy to-go alcoholic beverages outside of the respective establishments selling them. The measures will remain in place until the emergency order for Covid-19 is rescinded. The city is responsible for closing the streets in the selected area, which is West Georgia Avenue, a small portion of East Indiana Avenue as well as on the sidewalks along West Indiana Avenue.  The businesses will set-up, tear down, and regularly sanitize the tables and chairs. Customers will be allowed to purchase to-go alcoholic beverages and drink them in the downtown district. The boundaries are Florida Avenue on the west, Alabama Avenue on the east, Ohio Avenue on the north, and Voorhis Avenue on the south. The beverages must be contained in a specialized container that will be available at participating merchants. No outside beverages will be allowed. The city’s mask ordinance is still in effect, even within the boundaries. Masks must be worn inside downtown shops and when you can not socially distance safely.  The programs are expected to begin sometime next month.