New Outdoor Refreshment Area Approved for Playhouse Square

August 2, 2026

The Theatre District is expanding its hospitality options through a new Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) near Playhouse Square. Passed as emergency ordinance 557-2026, this initiative allows customers to purchase alcoholic beverages in specific cups from participating businesses and carry them within designated boundaries. The program aims to establish the Theatre District as a destination and support the economic growth of local businesses.

What's in the file

The ordinance establishes the Playhouse Square Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area using a dual-zone structure to manage different levels of activity:

The "Base Area" consists of a smaller portion of the DORA that will be active on a daily basis.
The "Expanded Area" is a larger zone intended for use during special events, including the Cleveland International Film Festival, Tri-C JazzFest, Saint Patrick’s Day, Octoberfest, and various Plaza programming.

To ensure public health and safety, the ordinance incorporates several requirements under Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.82(F)(1), such as specific boundaries, signage, and a sanitation plan. A key safety requirement mandates that beer and intoxicating liquor be served solely in plastic bottles or other non-glass containers within the area.

The legislation also establishes the Playhouse DORA Committee, which includes three individuals appointed by the Playhouse Square Foundation. This committee is responsible for:

Oversight of the DORA.
Determining exact days and hours of operation.
Deciding when to expand, reduce, or restrict the area's boundaries or hours.
Notifying the Cleveland Police Department, Ohio Department of Public Safety, and Ohio Division of Liquor Control prior to any "major activation" (use of areas outside the "Base Area").

Feature	Detail
Committee Members	3
Minimum Review Cycle	Every 3 years

Who may be affected

Playhouse Square Foundation (responsible for appointing the oversight committee).
Participating businesses in the Theatre District (allowed to serve beverages for outdoor consumption).
Cleveland Police Department, Ohio Department of Public Safety, and Ohio Division of Liquor Control (notified of major DORA activations).

Status and timeline

April 24, 2026: Ordinance 557-2026 was introduced.
July 24, 2026: The ordinance was officially passed.

Because this was declared an emergency measure, it was intended to take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Mayor.

Residents can verify these details and review the specific boundaries and maps by visiting the official Cleveland City Council website.

Key facts

Committee members: 3
Review frequency: every 3 years

Source record

File: 557-2026
Type: Emergency Ordinance
Status: Passed
Committee: City Council
Introduced: April 23, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar