New ordinance to take effect on or around January 17 TIFFIN, OHIO – December 17, 2018 – The Tiffin City Council voted to approve a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in downtown Tiffin. The ordinance allowing patrons of liquor permitted establishments within the DORA boundary to possess a specially marked open container within the designated area will take effect on or around January 17, 2019. Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz said the new district will benefit downtown businesses. “The DORA expands the ability of permitted establishments in the downtown to serve their customers and enhances the experience of those patrons visiting our downtown,” he said. The concept was presented to council by a recommendation from the Downtown Development Committee of the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership in October as a way ease or make more accessible outdoor dining and allow patrons to enjoy a beverage within the district’s boundaries during special events. The proposal submitted to council laid out the hours of operation, boundaries, and establishments to be included in the district, as well as safety and sanitation plans, which were the result of a full year of due diligence and research into communities of a similar size with DORAs in place. There are some important rules for the community to keep in mind. DORA beverages must be purchased within the designated district, from a permitted establishment. The only open container allowed will be the designated, specially marked DORA cup purchased from a participating establishment. The hours during which beverages will be allowed within the area are 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The Tiffin City Council reserves the right to suspend the DORA at any time, for any reason. About the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, which consistently ranks among the top communities nationally for economic development. Learn more about the great things going on in Tiffin and Seneca County at www.tiffinseneca.com.