From packed nights at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to the crowds at Progressive Field and the bright lights of Playhouse Square, Downtown Cleveland has long been one of the city’s busiest entertainment destinations.
Now, city leaders are considering a proposal that could allow visitors to carry alcoholic beverages within designated areas of Playhouse Square.
Legislation introduced by the administration of Mayor Justin Bibb seeks to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, within the theater district. The proposal was formally submitted to the Cleveland City Council in April and remains under review.
The proposal would mark Cleveland’s second Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. The city’s first DORA was approved along East Fourth Street in 2023.
If approved, the Playhouse Square DORA would allow patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating businesses and carry them outdoors within designated areas surrounding the Euclid Avenue and East 14th Street theater district. Drinks would be served in specially branded cups designed for open-container use and made available through participating businesses throughout the area.
According to application documents submitted to Cleveland City Council, the proposed district would include a smaller base area active daily and a larger expanded area that could be activated during major events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Tri-C JazzFest, and other large-scale gatherings.
City documents also outline plans for safety, sanitation, and oversight, including coordination with local law enforcement, private security, and city services. The proposal additionally notes that participating businesses would be responsible for following operational guidelines related to beverage service, signage and district participation.
In a statement provided to The Land, representatives from Playhouse Square Foundation said the proposed DORA designation would give guests more opportunity to extend their visit, supporting local restaurants and strengthening downtown Cleveland while maintaining the responsible stewardship our community expects.
“Playhouse Square is grateful for the partnership of Mayor Justin Bibb, public safety officials, and our neighboring businesses and residents as we continue to enhance our downtown district beyond the stage,” said Playhouse Square President and CEO Craig Hassall.
Ward 8 Cleveland City Councilwoman Stephanie D. Howse-Jones said she believes the DORA is an additional strategy to bring people Downtown to socialize and enjoy the Cleveland experience.
“The benefit of the DORA is that people will potentially spend more time downtown before/after an event, to explore other businesses and check out other experiences, which will attract them to continue to come and enjoy our city and share their good experience with others,” she said.
Addressing concerns related to safety, crowd control, and nearby residents, Howse-Jones said residents should continue reporting issues promptly so city officials and law enforcement can respond appropriately.
“If there are other safety issues regarding lights, trash, etc., it is also helpful for residents to report to 311 and get a reference number, so that the city can work to address the issue,” she said.
According to Howse-Jones, the proposal has already been assigned to the Cleveland City Council’s Safety Committee.
While she said it is difficult to predict when a final decision could be made, some stakeholders hope the legislation could move forward before Cleveland City Council begins its summer recess following its June 1 meeting. Council is scheduled to hold limited summer sessions on July 15 and August 19 before resuming regular meetings in September.
If approved, the proposed DORA could further expand Cleveland’s growing downtown entertainment footprint while creating a new experience for visitors in the Playhouse Square district.
For more information and updates regarding the proposal, visit the Cleveland City Council website or contact your local council representative.
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