Liberty Township considering Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, but called LORA

Liberty Township has taken the first steps toward creating a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in the township.

Administrator Mike Schuiling presented a proposed DORA to township trustees during a July 19 meeting.

During a scheduled DORA time or event, specified holders of liquor licenses may fill specially marked cups that may be taken outdoors along public streets and in other public spaces in the designated area.

Schuiling called the proposed legislation an economic tool that would serve businesses within the DORA boundaries.

Liberty Township’s version would be called LORA, for Liberty Outdoor Refreshment Area.

The preliminary proposal would include about 30 alcohol-serving businesses.

The LORA, as proposed, would be bound by Powell Road on the north and includes commercial properties, both shopping centers and standalone businesses, on both the east and west sides of Sawmill Parkway.

Schuiling told trustees the township's LORA would not be contiguous to the DORA in the city of Powell, and that patrons would not be allowed to bring containers from one into the other.

Trustee Bryan Newell pointed out the DORA also should benefit businesses within the boundary that don’t serve alcohol.

Rob Chrisman, who owns the Lazy Chameleon, a bar and live music venue within the proposed DORA boundaries, said he doesn't know how much the DORA would benefit his business specifically but added he is "thrilled" that "Liberty Township is taking a vested interest in (its) local businesses."

Schuiling proposed that the township buy signs to place at the boundaries of the LORA and purchase the first order of LORA-specific cups to provide to participating establishments.

He said he was waiting on a quote on the cost of those purchases. 

Trustees are expected to vote on a final LORA plan in late August or early September.

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