Warren could be the latest city to add a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in town.

Otherwise known as a DORA, the concept gained popularity during the COVID-19 era and is often seen in communities like Columbiana. Warren officials and bar owners say it's a unique opportunity for the city.

City officials were hoping to have the city's first DORA event up and running by the 4th of July holiday, but details are still being worked out. Most local bars and restaurants in Downtown Warren had signed a petition in support of the DORA and the petition was approved by Mayor Doug Franklin.

The council has since created a resolution to implement the DORA during holidays year-round, including Cinco de Mayo, Labor Day, Halloween and Christmas Eve.

"For years, I've seen downtown seeming like it is dead," explained Councilman James Shaffer, spearheading the concept. "And I just really want to do something to liven up downtown."

The legislation just saw its first reading during Wednesday's council meeting. It's a concept that allows alcoholic beverages in the designated outdoor area, where almost every downtown Warren bar will participate. Bars listed on the DORA's paperwork include Bushwick Warren, CharBenay's Wine on the River, Club Michael, Horseshoe Bar, Modern Methods Brewing Co., Darlene Lounge, Sunrise Inn, The Saratoga, The Underground Lounge, West & Main, and Urban Tap.

The plans are being worked out with safety top of mind. Designated plastic cups will be used to serve all drinks.

"The police are going to be involved," Shaffer added. "We're going to have roads closed off, lights, cones and different things that the police are going to be involved with."

Warren council members hope the DORA benefits the businesses involved.

"I've been to the one in Kent," explained Matthew MacGregor, Co-Owner of Urban Tap. "It seems to do well up there. I've been up to Cleveland and The Flats. I've seen nothing but positive of it myself."

Some locations including CharBenay's Wine on the River are hesitant about how the open container idea would work with surrounding businesses but are open to being a part of the events. MacGregor believes a partnership with surrounding bars is just what the downtown district needs.

"Just the idea of being able to have some special events," MacGregor explained. "Especially the Halloween time, for example. We have a bar crawl that we've been talking about and we're just waiting for DORA to hopefully get through."

Council is inviting the public to come to a July 11th meeting to ask any questions they may have about the event. The DORA is predicted to be up and running by Fall of 2024.  

Related stories:

https://www.wfmj.com/story/50649100/designated-outdoor-refreshment-area-could-be-coming-to-downtown-warren

https://www.wfmj.com/story/50796317/first-dora-opens-in-austintown-township?clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass

https://www.wfmj.com/story/49432803/columbiana-considers-dora-at-firestone-farms