The City of Canton and the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District (SID) have announced that a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in downtown Canton will go into effect June 3, 2016.
The DORA, which was unanimously approved by Canton City Council in April and only the third of its kind in Ohio, permits people to legally walk outside within specified boundaries with open containers of beer, wine and liquor. Only patrons using the DORA “official cup” will be permitted outside with an open container.
The DORA represents a partnership between the City of Canton and SID. The purpose of the DORA is to enhance the entertainment and cultural appeal of downtown Canton as a destination and also serve to enhance its economic appeal.
“Our goal is simple: to enhance the vibrancy and vitality of downtown Canton,” said Thomas M. Bernabei, Mayor of the City of Canton.
“Downtown Canton has made a name for having a thriving independent restaurant and bar scene,” said Mike Gill, Vice President of Economic Development for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our hope is that the DORA provides an additional economic boost by drawing even more people downtown.”
Mayor Bernabei will officially open the DORA at 6:00 pm at Buzzbin Art & Music Shop (339 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44702) during Canton First Friday on June 3. Media are welcome to attend.
For more information on the DORA, contact the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District at 330.456.7253 or the City of Canton at 330.489.3283.
REFRESHMENT AREA FACTS
Days of Operation: Seven days a week
Hours of Operation: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, daily
Boundaries: 68.7 acres of land, with borders marked generally by 6th Street N. (north edge), McKinley Ave. (west edge), 4th Street S. (south edge) and Walnut Ave. (east edge). Patrons may walk freely within the DORA boundaries. Signage will designate the entrances and exits of the DORA.
Official Cup: A specifically designated and marked 16 oz. plastic cup is the only cup permitted in the refreshment area.
Participating businesses (to date): Amvets Post 555, The Auricle, Basil Asian Bistro, Benders Tavern, Buzzbin, Canton Brewing Company, Canton Palace Theatre, Cork & Canvas on 3rd, Cultured Coffee Co., Fronimo’s Downtown, George’s Lounge, Grapes in a Glass, Imperial Room, Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography, Lucca, Marques, Napoli’s, Picciano’s, and Thatsa Wrapp.