Having spent a good amount of time on Put-in-Bay the last few years, I think they're sort of a decent macrocosm for how things can work, still be good for residential, and be a good time while not out of control. A lot of people try to skirt the law up there by riding or walking with solo cups because the drinks can be quite expensive, and the few stores that sell liquor there sell "grocery store" proof and not real liquor, so people either have to fork over big bucks for good liquor drinks or bring their own. And bringing your own and walking around is still illegal, whether it's beer or wine or whatever.

 

It's a fun atmosphere in the main square and is immediately surrounded by a lot of residential, some of it renters and hotels and a good portion of it permanent residents, and all in a very small geographical area. While you're going to have a certain amount of crime with that many people in a small area partying on the regular, I think it's overall a pretty low crime rate and not an out of control feeling at all. Opening it up to actually allowing people to do what they're sneaking around doing anyway would be ideal for a place like that - from the visitors' perspective. I suppose if I were a bar/restaurant owner, I would be against it as this ruling could cut into their profits.

 

But am not sure how it would work in a more urban setting where the residential is literally upstairs like downtown Cleveland. Nobody lives above Frosty's or the Roundhouse, generally, and if they do, they're likely summer workers and aren't home until after the bars close anyway so it doesn't bother them.

So I'm hearing that Cincinnati is not going to set these up before the ASG.  Apparently the perception around the state was "let's get this done so Cincy can have it for the ASG".  Refreshment zones Cranceled.  More needless Cincy drama.

 

I was under the impression that Black and Cranley were trying to get these opened by the All Star Game too. You're saying Cranley doesn't want a Banks ORA before the ASG?

 

EDIT: Just saw an article that said the ASG would use the same permitting as Opening Day did and they will take their time creating the ORA for The Banks. Maybe a good idea to make sure it's done correctly and not rushed into place. It'll be almost identical to an ORA anyway. I thought the administration had wanted it opened by the ASG though. Maybe they were just saying that so the regular 90 day waiting period with state laws was waved.

I didn't realize this was part of the law, but apparently Franklin and Cuyahoga Counties now join Hamilton County as being able to grant F-8 permits. This is a nine-month long liquor permit and DCA plans to use one for Public Square after the renovations are complete. This would be the same arrangement currently in place for Fountain Square in Cincy.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/04/liquor_law_change_would_mean_m.html#incart_m-rpt-1

I didn't realize this was part of the law, but apparently Franklin and Cuyahoga Counties now join Hamilton County as being able to grant F-8 permits. This is a nine-month long liquor permit and DCA plans to use one for Public Square after the renovations are complete. This would be the same arrangement currently in place for Fountain Square in Cincy.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/04/liquor_law_change_would_mean_m.html#incart_m-rpt-1

 

Findlay Market, Washington Park and I believe Krohn have them. A permit for a non-profit managing a public space on behalf of a municipality. I think they are $1,800 a year.

So I'm hearing that Cincinnati is not going to set these up before the ASG.  Apparently the perception around the state was "let's get this done so Cincy can have it for the ASG".  Refreshment zones Cranceled.  More needless Cincy drama.

 

I was under the impression that Black and Cranley were trying to get these opened by the All Star Game too. You're saying Cranley doesn't want a Banks ORA before the ASG?

 

EDIT: Just saw an article that said the ASG would use the same permitting as Opening Day did and they will take their time creating the ORA for The Banks. Maybe a good idea to make sure it's done correctly and not rushed into place. It'll be almost identical to an ORA anyway. I thought the administration had wanted it opened by the ASG though. Maybe they were just saying that so the regular 90 day waiting period with state laws was waved.

 

The size limit didn't change in the final version, did it?

 

In my opinion, the district in Cincinnati should not be limited to The Banks, but extend into downtown and contain Fountain Square and chunks of sixth street. That would have worked in the earliest version that I actually read, but I'm not sure if the size has shrunk since then. There's not much sense in having it just be at The Banks - people should be able to walk from hotels and bars near Fountain Square down to The Banks.

Burbs join The Banks in thirsting for open-drink zones

 

Some of our region's largest suburbs are eyeing Cincinnati and already thirsting for their own open-container zones, now allowed under an Ohio law signed last week.

 

Officials in West Chester – the state's most populous township – and fast-growing Liberty Township say they will be watching closely as Cincinnati speeds out front in adopting a new state law allowing alcoholic drinks in public.

 

Watching too are officials in Anderson, Deerfield, Green, Springfield and Union townships, as well as city leaders in Hamilton and Middletown.

 

Cincinnati plans on quickly creating a open-container zone at The Banks.

 

Cont

Has anyone heard anything from any Cleveland elected officials regarding this? It seems that most the talk has centered around Cincinnati and the only thing mentioned about Cleveland has been PD reporters giving E 4th St as an example of where this could happen. Let's just say I wouldn't be totally surprised if Cle City Council voted down a proposal to create one or two of these in the city. It's something new and different, and we all know how that makes leaders around here nervous.

Has anyone heard anything from any Cleveland elected officials regarding this? It seems that most the talk has centered around Cincinnati and the only thing mentioned about Cleveland has been PD reporters giving E 4th St as an example of where this could happen. Let's just say I wouldn't be totally surprised if Cle City Council voted down a proposal to create one or two of these in the city. It's something new and different, and we all know how that makes leaders around here nervous.

 

One can only imagine what's going on behind the scenes in this developer-controlled city.

Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights plan to designate outdoor drinking areas

 

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio – The Cedar Lee District bustles on weekend nights, as couples and friends flock to its movie theater, restaurants, bars and patios.

 

Now, the district has expressed interest in a new state law that would allow adults to walk outside with alcohol, Vice Mayor Cheryl Stephens told City Council this month. She said she was not recommending which, if any, Cleveland Heights district the city should designate as an outdoor-consumption zone but wanted council to be aware of the new state legislation that creates "outdoor refreshment areas."

 

Continued

Has any city actually set up one of these districts yet?

Has any city actually set up one of these districts yet?

 

Maybe the suitcases full of cash haven't reached the proper channels yet!

More insular thinking here on the North Coast...

 

 

Open Container Districts: Not As Big A Priority In Cleveland As In Other Parts Of Ohio?

 

Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 3:28 pm

Under a recently-approved bill, Ohioans can openly carry beer and other alcoholic drinks in designated sites outdoors.  Depending on size, a city can have one or two areas exempt from the state’s containment law, with the idea of creating entertainment districts similar to New Orlean’s Bourbon Street or Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.  But as ideastream’s Brian Bull reports, the news is being met with some hesitation in Cleveland.

 

 

http://wcpn.ideastream.org/news/open-container-districts-not-big-priority-cleveland-other-parts-ohio

Here's a picture of a map I saw tonight of one of the two proposed open refreshment areas for Toledo. The other one will be along Adams Street in Uptown. The downtown district is set to go before city council for approval in February with the Uptown one going in November.

 

Makes sense.

Surprisingly, Middletown is the first city in Ohio to go through the motions to get an ORA.

 

http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/council-oks-open-container-area-in-middletown/npHqB/

 

The proposed DORA is bounded by Clark Street, Manchester Avenue, South Canal Street, Columbia Avenue including Donham Plaza, North Main Street, including the buildings on the northwest corner of North Main and Central Avenue, Central Avenue to the Great Miami River and around the southern edge of Forest Hills Country Club, Water Street and around the American Legion on South Main Street to First Avenue, to South Canal Street, to Reynolds Avenue to Curtis Street to Central Avenue back to Clark Street. City officials said the DORA’s area can be adjusted as necessary.

...

According to the proposed plan, the DORA will be in operation from 6 p.m. to midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at any other times established by the chief of police with the concurrence of City Council through a council motion.

 

Officials have previously said that once the ordinance was adopted, the city would contact the Ohio Division of Liquor Control which issues permit holders within the DORA an outdoor refreshment area designation. However there is no timetable for the state approval, city officials have said.

 

Here's a map!

 

At least SOMEBODY is doing it.

At least SOMEBODY is doing it.

 

I don't know what the hold up is in Cleveland.

^Not sure what's taking Cincinnati so long, either.

At least SOMEBODY is doing it.

 

I don't know what the hold up is in Cleveland.

 

They haven't figured how to make sure the "right people" get paid yet.

At least SOMEBODY is doing it.

 

I don't know what the hold up is in Cleveland.

 

The hold up is that no one seems to want to do it

 

http://wcpn.ideastream.org/news/open-container-districts-not-big-priority-cleveland-other-parts-ohio

I love how Cimperman cited an East 4th resident saying they wouldn't want to live above an open container district.  No problem at all living above 10 bars crammed into one block, with bands and crowds and outdoor patios... but letting people take their beer from one bar to another is just unthinkable! 

People are irrational. They think this is what turns a place into Bourbon Street. Which it isn't. But there's no convincing them otherwise. The best thing to do is point them to examples they've never even heard about like Indianapolis where open container is everywhere and it didn't change anything when enacted.

^Not sure what's taking Cincinnati so long, either.

 

the only person who can begin the process is "The executive officer of a municipal corporation"

^Thank you.  So just chalk this up as another thing Cranceled, huh?

^ Last I heard, most of the council members were likely in support of it, except for Seelbach

Outside of The Banks I dont see elsewhere in Cincinnati where it would make much sense to initiate one of these, and even at The Banks they have open container on the streets for all major events and Bengals games etc...Granted you cannot (or not supposed to) bring a drink out of a bar during one of these but alcohol is readily available from vendors outside of a bar.

 

Where else is being considered besides OTR? Which i think there could create different issues than on the riverfront.

OTR makes perfect sense for one. But like I said above, people make claims that it'll have negative effects that are based on false assumptions and argue that it will "turn it into Bourbon Street" or make it wild like "Mardis Gras" or that it will increase public intoxication and drunk driving. The last two of which are the opposite of what actually happens after enacting open container districts and Bourbon Street and the French Quarter are wild for reasons much greater than simply being able to carry a beer outside.

 

The closest example to something that would be like OTR being open container is the historic district in Savannah. I lived there for two semesters while interning and not only was it never an issue but it actually brought so much more life out into the streets. The squares were always filled with people and families enjoying a glass of wine or beer and watching a show. People were no more rowdy than what you see in any comparable area without open container laws.

 

The only true negative is that garbage has to be handled more diligently. This simply means more trash cans and more people picking up full bags. But beyond that the "common opinion" of what happens when open container laws are enacted is simply incorrect and often times the opposite of the truth of the situation.

OTR makes perfect sense for one. But like I said above, people make claims that it'll have negative effects that are based on false assumptions and argue that it will "turn it into Bourbon Street" or make it wild like "Mardis Gras" or that it will increase public intoxication and drunk driving. The last two of which are the opposite of what actually happens after enacting open container districts and Bourbon Street and the French Quarter are wild for reasons much greater than simply being able to carry a beer outside.

 

The closest example to something that would be like OTR being open container is the historic district in Savannah. I lived there for two semesters while interning and not only was it never an issue but it actually brought so much more life out into the streets. The squares were always filled with people and families enjoying a glass of wine or beer and watching a show. People were no more rowdy than what you see in any comparable area without open container laws.

 

The only true negative is that garbage has to be handled more diligently. This simply means more trash cans and more people picking up full bags. But beyond that the "common opinion" of what happens when open container laws are enacted is simply incorrect and often times the opposite of the truth of the situation.

 

The license holders are probably concerned about BYO.  Which is already a concern even with single establishments.  Especially if you have an outdoor deck.

[Cincinnati] Banks 'open container' plan still on the bench

It has been 11 months since Gov. John Kasich signed a bill enabling the creation of "open container" districts around the state of Ohio.

 

And despite the enthusiasm last year around making The Banks in Cincinnati one of those destinations, plans to create an outdoor refreshment area are still on the bench.

 

City officials and Banks planners have vowed to make it happen, although communities such as Middletown and Toledo have lapped Cincinnati.

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2016/03/29/open-container-still-dream-banks/82172910/

Open container is go, in Canton. 

 

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-stark/city-council-creates-outdoor-open-container-area-in-downtown-canton

 

Has Cleveland done this yet?  I understand wanting it in time for the convention, but I also understand why not.  I think I lean toward not.  It's an extra wrinkle the police won't have time to get used to. 

^ Props Canton. I'm going down there to check this out personally.

Open container is go, in Canton. 

 

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-stark/city-council-creates-outdoor-open-container-area-in-downtown-canton

 

Has Cleveland done this yet?  I understand wanting it in time for the convention, but I also understand why not.  I think I lean toward not.  It's an extra wrinkle the police won't have time to get used to. 

 

There seems to be zero interest in this from those on city council. I wouldn't expect to see it in Cleveland anytime soon

[Cincinnati] Banks 'open container' plan still on the bench

It has been 11 months since Gov. John Kasich signed a bill enabling the creation of "open container" districts around the state of Ohio.

 

And despite the enthusiasm last year around making The Banks in Cincinnati one of those destinations, plans to create an outdoor refreshment area are still on the bench.

 

City officials and Banks planners have vowed to make it happen, although communities such as Middletown and Toledo have lapped Cincinnati.

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2016/03/29/open-container-still-dream-banks/82172910/

 

Does anyone know why this idea has stalled? I know the focus is on the budget right now, but it seems like it wouldn't be that hard to pass legislation allowing open container at The Banks on a trial basis.

Is Canton (mentioned above) the only place in Ohio this has been enacted? Sure got a lot of buzz for nothing to actually happen.

 

Sorry for the resurrection, Pappy Van Winkle made me think of it :p

In Cincinnati, I can't imagine that any politicians want to touch this issue right before an election year. Maybe we'll see some action after November.

Is Canton (mentioned above) the only place in Ohio this has been enacted? Sure got a lot of buzz for nothing to actually happen.

 

Sorry for the resurrection, Pappy Van Winkle made me think of it :p

 

Middletown has one.

In Cincinnati, I can't imagine that any politicians want to touch this issue right before an election year. Maybe we'll see some action after November.

 

Why wouldn't they want to touch it?  From the beginning it seemed like a no brainer to be passed.  I don't understand why it has stalled for so long.

Is Canton (mentioned above) the only place in Ohio this has been enacted? Sure got a lot of buzz for nothing to actually happen.

 

Sorry for the resurrection, Pappy Van Winkle made me think of it :p

 

Middletown has one.

 

Adams Street in Toledo does as well.

In Cincinnati, I can't imagine that any politicians want to touch this issue right before an election year. Maybe we'll see some action after November.

 

Why wouldn't they want to touch it?  From the beginning it seemed like a no brainer to be passed.  I don't understand why it has stalled for so long.

 

In neighborhoods where it would make sense for an open container district to be located, the residents are likely to fight against it. So it's going to be a big political battle. Unfortunately.

Middletown expands its Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area

 

 

Three years after Middletown became the first city in Ohio to create a "Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area" (DORA), several other cities have followed its lead.

 

At least six other cities in Ohio have created DORA districts in recent years, including Hamilton, Canton, Delaware, and parts of downtown Toledo. Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas refer to areas in cities or towns where patrons can purchase alcoholic beverages from designated bars and restaurants and take them outside, as long as they remain within the DORA district.

 

In Middletown, the DORA ordinance was approved by the city in the fall of 2015 and went into effect shortly after, according to Downtown Middletown Executive Director Jeff Payne.

 

Initially, Payne said DORA patrons could only open-carry alcoholic beverages in the district on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to midnight, but the city of Middletown recently approved longer hours. Now, customers can drink within the district from noon until midnight seven days a week.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2018/07/09/middletown-expands-its-designated-outdoor.html

^Why have none of the big cities implemented one of these designated areas?

Do Toledo and Canton no longer count as "big?" :(

Do Toledo and Canton no longer cound as "big?" :(

LOL. Sorry for not clarifying. Why don't any of the three biggest cities have designated areas?

it would be good for somebody to add ohio’s new law to wiki as it is a bit of a twist on the issue —- otherwise just take a look at the wiki page as its interesting how widely drinking in public varies around the world:

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_in_public

I added more info to the US open-container laws article.

I walked around downtown Hamilton this weekend and saw their open container district (the Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, as they have branded it) for the first time. They have standardized cups which must be used for beverages taken outdoors with all of the rules printed on the side. There are standard stickers that businesses can put up on their windows to advertise whether people can or cannot bring alcohol inside. The boundaries of the district are clearly marked with signs that say "no alcohol beyond this point". Very well executed.

Are you allowed to bring a beverage from one establishment to another, or do you have to finish your drink outside once you take it outside?

Are you allowed to bring a beverage from one establishment to another, or do you have to finish your drink outside once you take it outside?

 

You can't take them into other establishments that sell alcohol. But other businesses have signs in their windows saying whether or not you can bring in drinks.

Ah, I should have read the rules on the cup

Right, for example the music store had the "DORA Bevarges Welcome" sign but the coffee shop had a "No DORA Beverage" sign presumably because they sell alcohol. It's great that they developed these standardized stickers and provided them to businesses within the district to make it extremely clear what the rules are.