New Philadelphia mayor proposes outdoor drinking area for special events
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (July 23, 2024) – Mayor Joel Day has a plan to allow outdoor drinking downtown, but only during special events.
Residents have debated the DORA – designated outdoor refreshment area – for months. On one side have been business owners and event organizers who say it will boost business. The other side has included recovering alcoholics and family members who say it will set a poor example for kids and encourage bad behavior.
Mayor Joel Day in his written mayor’s report this week said he is proposing a DORA only for special events downtown, such as Art on the Alley and summer concerts. Guests would be allowed to drink alcohol only out of designated cups bought at local establishments in the designated area (pictured).
“I’m requesting that, to start, the DORA only be used for special events downtown, taking into consideration the concerns that some residents have raised,” Day wrote. “Let’s try it, then decide whether to end it or set regular hours for its use. The eight liquor permit holders in the proposed DORA area and City law enforcement bear the responsibility of making it work to the satisfaction of the community. I’m confident they will.”
http://www.newphilaoh.com/downloads/New_Philadelphia_City_Council_DORA_letter.pdf
Day did not talk about the DORA at Monday’s Council meeting, but Councilwoman Cheryl Ramos spoke against it.
“It would change our community, culture, values and community norms about open-carry alcohol, especially in front of minors and those in recovery and those who struggle with alcohol,” she said.
She suggested beer gardens or special events that allow outdoor drinking only during later hours.
“Split the times of the event for open-carry alcohol. For example, 10 to 6 is family time, 6 to 10 is DORA time.”
There will be a public hearing on the DORA application on Aug. 19.