Hiram City Council members reviewed proposed changes to local alcohol rules at their November work session, including allowing open carrying of alcoholic beverages in the city’s Festivities District and permitting "margaritas to go," a state-authorized option with size restrictions, City staff member Melissa said.

Melissa told the council the two requested changes were revisions to patio requirements and a measure to open the Festivities District "to allow the open carry of alcoholic beverages at all times, not just during a permanent special event." She also said the "margarita to go" provision stems from state law enacted around the COVID period and includes tight restrictions on ounces and container sizes.

Council members discussed keeping the current cup-size and purchase-location requirements (alcohol must be purchased on site and not brought from elsewhere). Staff said zoning designation would control mixed-use allowances in affected areas. No final vote or ordinance adoption was recorded in the transcript; staff indicated further drafting and zoning review would be required before action.

If the council advances the changes, staff said they would need to reconcile local patio rules and cup-size controls with state limits on to-go alcoholic beverages and any applicable zoning designations. The council did not set a final hearing date in the recorded discussion.

The council’s discussion was limited to direction and staff briefing; the transcript contains no recorded vote or adoption of amendments.