The Ohio Division of Liquor Control has approved the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area or DORA in Youngstown, which will now allow people to drink alcohol in permitted areas in downtown.

The D.O.R.A. will cover 34.42 acres in downtown, with signs designating the space. Adults participating will need to wear a wristband and use a special cup.

The DORA area will run from est Commerce Street, between North Hazel St and Wick Ave, extending south, past West Front Street, between South Hazel Street and Market Street, and include the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater, the county's largest DORA.

 

 

DORA for the downtown area will allow residents and visitors to enjoy beverages from downtown businesses throughout the designated area.

The city and the Economic Action Group proposed the creation of a designated drinking area that allows drinking to help the downtown district.

The state’s approval is the final step in the process, allowing the city to meet its goal of having the DORA in place by the end of the year.

“As we continually look at ways enhance the downtown experience for residents, visitors and our local businesses, the DORA is an added benefit,” said Mayor Jamael Tito Brown. “This is one more exciting step towards creating a dynamic environment that people want to visit and will bring a windfall by helping increase traffic for our businesses, attract events to the Covelli Centre and amphitheater, and bring needed tax revenue to the city.”

Youngstown City Council gave the final go-ahead in mid-October for approving the DORA.

First Ward Councilman Julius Oliver said, “The DORA is a creative way to help develop the sense of community, help our businesses succeed and help market our city.”

To date, more than 160 cities in Ohio have implemented DORAs.

The DORA is sponsored by 717 Credit Union, meaning there will be no costs for businesses to participate in the designated drinking area for supplies.

The DORA's limited schedule will run on Thursdays and Fridays between 4 pm and 11 pm, on Saturdays from 12 pm through 11 pm, and during special downtown events designated by the city. The first DORA will be on Friday, December 6, when the annual downtown Youngstown Christmas parade and tree lighting will occur. 

The DORA will need to be reviewed every five years by the city council. In 2029, the council must adopt an ordinance or resolution that either approves the DORA's continued operation or dissolves it.