State OKs Outdoor Drinking Area in Downtown Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN – In time for the annual holiday parade and light up night on Dec. 6, the city has received approval for a designated outdoor refreshment area – or DORA – in a portion of downtown.

After months of planning and community input, the city was notified Wednesday that the Ohio Division of Liquor Control has approved the proposed DORA. The designation means that people age 21 and over will be permitted to drink alcoholic beverages purchased at participating bars and restaurants outdoors within the boundaries of the DORA.

Spearheaded by the city and the Economic Action Group, the DORA district is part of the effort to reestablish downtown Youngstown as the region’s primary place for entertainment and nightlife. The downtown nightlife district has been struggling since the pandemic, first because of the state-mandated shutdown of hospitality businesses and then by street construction and the explosion at Realty Tower.

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

“As we continually look at ways to enhance the downtown experience for residents, visitors and our local businesses, the DORA is an added benefit,” Mayor Jamael Tito Brown said. “This is one more exciting step toward 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.”

City Council approved the measure in September after meetings with constituents and downtown stakeholders to gather input.

“We’ve said before that as our downtown goes, our city goes,” Councilman Julius Oliver, 1st Ward, said. “The DORA is a creative way to help develop the sense of community, help our businesses succeed and help market our city.” 

More than 160 cities in Ohio have implemented DORAs and have seen significant economic and community benefits from them. Businesses in these cities have reported an increase in patrons, which has led to higher sales, new employment opportunities and revitalized downtown areas.

“We are excited to see the city move forward with the downtown DORA,” said Nick Chretien, EAG executive director. “Outdoor refreshment areas have been an effective tool for driving additional business in other communities. This is one step, not the last, in supporting our local bars and restaurants.”

“As we looked toward how to strategically grow our downtown district, implementing a DORA became an obvious choice,” said Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. “Providing additional opportunities for our businesses through the DORA helps to create an environment that is ripe for continued growth.”

The city and EAG worked with businesses, the Youngstown Police Department and other downtown stakeholders to ensure the DORA is operated smoothly and safely for all participants. 

Through the sponsorship of 717 Credit Union, there will also be no costs for businesses to participate in the DORA.

Youngstown’s DORA will generally begin on West Commerce Street, between North Hazel Street and Wick Avenue, extend south, past West Front Street, between South Hazel Street and Market Street and include the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. These are only general guidelines as several parts of the DORA end before or extend beyond Hazel and Wick Avenue.

Guests will be allowed to drink on sidewalks within the district. Signs will be erected that indicate the boundaries of the DORA.

The DORA will be implemented on a limited schedule – from 4 to 11 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays, and during special downtown events designated by the city. 

The first date for the DORA will be Friday, Dec. 6, to coincide with the annual downtown Youngstown Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony.

More information is available HERE.

Pictured at top: Federal Street in downtown Youngstown.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.