Canal Winchester taking next step in process of starting DORA
Residents could be sipping beers along Canal Winchester streets and in local businesses next year as Canal Winchester prepares to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in the Old Town.
The DORA would permit patrons to buy alcoholic drinks in a bar or restaurant and then walk around city streets within a boundary bordered by High and Waterloo streets.
A public hearing is set for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 7, before a City Council work session, to get input on the DORA’s proposed hours of operation and more.
“I’ve been passionate about bringing the DORA to Canal Winchester and I think it will benefit our businesses,” Councilwoman Jill Amos said during council’s Sept. 19 work session. “So many cities we’ve talked to say they don’t see the issues that would come along with a DORA.”
City Council began discussing the idea in May 2020, but at that time, Mayor Mike Ebert was hesitant about moving forward and had concerns about having enough law enforcement to enforce DORA regulations.
Ebert’s DORA application lists the hours of operation from noon to 11 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays and noon to 6 p.m. on Labor Day, which is the last day of the annual Labor Day Festival.
According to Ohio law, a mayor, city manager or township fiscal officer must submit the application to City Council for its approval before the state then can approve it.
Ohio lawmakers first approved DORAs in 2015, and since then, such districts have been created by municipalities in more than 20 counties. DORAs have been established in several central Ohio communities.
Ebert’s application indicates that one of the six main recommendations of the Old Town plan is to promote commercial growth.
“Establishing a DORA in Old Town will enhance those entertainment options and strengthen the existing restaurants and retailers through increased sales,” the application states.
The city has identified 21 locations where signs would be posted to ensure patrons know the DORA’s boundaries, city Development Director Lucas Haire said.
Also, Stradley Park is within the DORA’s boundaries and current park rules do not allow alcoholic beverages. The rules would need to be amended by City Council, Haire said.
Businesses are free to participate in the DORA or not. Signs would help patrons determine if they are welcome at a particular retailer or restaurant.
Canal Winchester’s Old Town area features restaurants, boutique stores, financial institutions, professional services and miscellaneous retail, according to the DORA application.
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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Canal Winchester taking next step in process of starting DORA
