Explanation
Background: This Ordinance incorporates amendments to the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) application filed by the office of the Mayor on June 2, 2021 that were suggested as submitted to City Council in an amended application filed with the City Clerk on July 21, 2021. The amended application would require separate Council consideration should Ordinance 1965-2021 be disapproved.
The City, the Arena District, the Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Clippers, and Columbus Crew have partnered together to put forward an application to Columbus City Council on June 2, 2021 to create a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area or DORA in the Arena District. Creating the DORA will add to the vibrancy of our downtown and provide more opportunities for our Arena District businesses. The DORA will be active 3 hours before every home Blue Jackets, Clippers, and Crew game until 11:59 PM. The Arena District has formed AD DORA LLC (the LLC) and will provide management and operations services in the DORA. We believe that the existing services along with supplementary public safety and sanitation services are sufficient to keep the Arena District safe and clean. No additional City resources will be needed to operate the DORA.
Approval of the DORA will allow participating bars, restaurants, and other vendors to sell alcoholic beverages in designated eco-friendly plastic containers to patrons. Patrons will then be legally allowed to depart the establishment or site where the beverage was purchased and move freely around within the DORA with that beverage. The designated eco-friendly plastic containers will be provided by the LLC to the brick and mortar establishments or other approved outdoor vendors, such as for special events.
All vendors must still maintain required liquor permits to sell alcohol in accordance with state law. All property owners and establishments have the option of opting-out of participating in the DORA. In accordance with state law, patrons...
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