Explanation
Background: The City and Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (dba Downtown Columbus, Inc.) have partnered together to put forward an application to Columbus City Council on March 19, 2024 to create a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area or DORA in the Downtown and Franklinton areas. Creating the DORA will add to the vibrancy of our community and provide more opportunities for our Downtown and Franklinton businesses. The DORA will be active seven (7) days a week from 11am to 10pm. Downtown Columbus, Inc. has formed Center City DORA, Ltd. (the LLC) and will provide management and operations services in the DORA, in cooperation with the Franklinton Special Improvement District and Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District. At this time, 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 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 containers or labels 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 may only leave establishments with alcoholic beverages in the designated eco-friendly containers. Further, no outside alcoholic drinks are permitted-meaning only alcoholic drinks that are purchased in the designated eco-friendly container and from a properly permitted vendor in the DORA may be enjoyed outside. Signage, as further described below, will inform patrons of the rules and boundaries of the DORA.
The DO...
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