Massillon taking first step toward Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area for downtown

Steven M. Grazier, The Independent
·2 min read
Much of downtown Massillon could become a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), allowing folks to carry alcoholic beverages. City Council is expected to start discussion on the issue as early as this month.
Much of downtown Massillon could become a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), allowing folks to carry alcoholic beverages. City Council is expected to start discussion on the issue as early as this month.

MASSILLON – Folks walking around in downtown Massillon may soon be able to carry alcoholic beverages.

Massillon officials are considering a legislative proposal to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, where people can carry beer, wine or a mixed drink within a specific outdoor area. Public walkways and Duncan Plaza would be included.

"The area we're looking at is centered around Lincoln Way downtown, with boundaries set up mostly near licensed beverage holders, or businesses," said David Maley, the city's economic development director, who helped to set up the planned DORA which spans about 36 acres.

Greg Weaver, a bartender at Paradigm Shift Craft Brewery in Massillon, pours a beer Friday afternoon at the business. Paradigm Shift owner Mike Malinowski is hopeful the city approves a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area to help bring more folks to downtown.
Greg Weaver, a bartender at Paradigm Shift Craft Brewery in Massillon, pours a beer Friday afternoon at the business. Paradigm Shift owner Mike Malinowski is hopeful the city approves a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area to help bring more folks to downtown.

"We did our best to incorporate as many (businesses) as we can," he added.

The specified region for the DORA runs along Lincoln Way from the viaduct to Second Street NE, while the northern boundary is North Avenue NE stretching south to Tremont Avenue SE.

Early fall would likely be the soonest the city's DORA could be established, Maley said.

Special, plastic glasses for purchase at participating businesses are part of the proposed initiative.

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Massillon City Council to discuss DORA issue as early as this month

If approved by City Council, the city's DORA would operate from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, in addition to noon to midnight Thursday through Saturday.

Paradigm Shift Craft Brewery on North Avenue NE would be included within the boundary of a proposed Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in downtown Massillon.
Paradigm Shift Craft Brewery on North Avenue NE would be included within the boundary of a proposed Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in downtown Massillon.

Officially, a DORA is considered a specified area of land that is exempt from certain provisions of Ohio's open container laws. In addition to local approval, the state liquor control agency signs off on DORAs prior to municipalities starting them.

Mike Malinowski, owner of Paradigm Shift Craft Brewery in Massillon, called the DORA push a great idea and something that will attract more people to downtown.

"I love it," he said. "We'd definitely participate and have a cup made up for people to use. ... Right now, Massillon is one of a few cities in Northeast Ohio not to have this."

The Ohio Department of Commerce maintains an interactive map online showing where all the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas are in Ohio. The site is available at https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/liquor-control/local-government-resources/designated-outdoor-refreshment-areas.
The Ohio Department of Commerce maintains an interactive map online showing where all the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas are in Ohio. The site is available at https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/liquor-control/local-government-resources/designated-outdoor-refreshment-areas.

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Ohio lawmakers first approved the DORA concept in 2015. Canton, Canal Fulton, Minerva, North Canton, Plain Township and Louisville are other Stark County communities that already have DORAs in place.

City Council is expected to discuss the DORA proposal in detail during its next work session, which is scheduled July 31.

Councilwoman Jill Creamer, D-Ward 4, who chairs council's Community Development Committee, is expected to lead the discussion on the issue.

"It's something I need to talk to people about and read more into," said Creamer. "I know Canton has (a DORA), and it's successful. So we'll see."

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon looks to create downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area