To-go alcoholic drinks approved for Downtown Columbus and Franklinton

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A plan allowing adults to get their drinks to go Downtown and in Franklinton is moving forward after being approved Monday night by Columbus City Council.

Council spent April discussing the Center City DORA proposal. The plan creates a designated area where those 21 and older can walk around with alcoholic beverages through an exception to open container laws by purchasing drinks sold by participating businesses in designated cups. The district includes parts of Downtown and Franklinton.

With its passage, the zone is expected to launch in late May and operate from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, pending state approval.

"Since being established by the state in 2015, DORAs have been used by municipalities across the state to increase pedestrian activity, local commercial activity, enhanced outdoor dining and activating areas that have walkability and green space," Councilmember Nicholas Bankston said.

Earlier in April, council members discussed the proposal during a public forum at Land-Grant Brewing in Franklinton. At the event, Bankston and Councilmember Chris Wyche, Downtown Columbus Inc., and Land-Grant explained the plan, expressed support and listened to community input.

"For myself as an operator, to be able to be part of developing this DORA, I think it’s a great opportunity to really connect the city," Adam Benner of Land-Grant Brewing Company said at the event.

There is one other DORA in Columbus, located in the Arena District.