Wooster City Council gave first reading on May 19 to an ordinance (2025‑10) to renew and expand the city’s designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA). The proposal would extend current boundaries to include the Lyric Theatre, connecting alleys and the Chamber of Commerce/Main Street offices and would change hours to 10 a.m.–11 p.m. seven days a week if ultimately approved.

Miss Warren, presenting the ordinance on first reading, said municipalities must reevaluate DORA districts every five years under Ohio law and that the Wooster Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Wooster support renewal and expansion. “According to both the Wooster Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Wooster, the program has been very successful and would benefit from expansion both the boundaries and the hours,” she said.

A city police representative told council the department had received no incident reports related to the DORA during the five years it has operated. Council members agreed to keep the item on first reading and noted that, under Ohio Revised Code requirements, council could not adopt the ordinance before the required rereadings; staff asked proponents to appear at the June 16 meeting to answer further questions.

If adopted after the required readings, the expanded DORA would allow adults 21 and older to purchase drinks in designated cups from participating businesses and consume them within the marked downtown area during the extended hours. Signs mark boundaries and participating businesses. The council took no vote beyond the first reading and scheduled further consideration in subsequent meetings.