NAPOLEON, OH (WTOL) - The city of Napoleon has joined the ranks of communities now allowing open refreshment areas in their downtown.
The NORA, Napoleon Open Refreshment Area, launched Wednesday for the Henry County community.
What is now the smallest open refreshment area in Ohio allows bar patrons to enjoy their drinks while also enjoying the downtown.
"And this is something that enhances the experience of being in downtown Napoleon, so we're very happy to have this started," said Napoleon City Manager Joel Mazur.
The launch of the NORA is part of Napoleon's downtown revitalization plan. Along with NORA, the city expanded downtown sidewalks and helped install outdoor patios for restaurants and bars.
"By helping each other with bar crawls and events like that, and festivals, we're going to get more people, not just locals, but people from the Toledo area, and all over northwest Ohio, and pretty much all over the state," said Lawrence Pritchard, owner of Flatrock Brewing Company.
And all downtown businesses are on board, knowing the opportunity of bringing more potential patrons in will help all of the businesses overall.
"Oh, I totally believe that we live in an abundant world, and yes there is plenty to go around, plenty to share. And we need to lift each other up and support each other," said Chery Weidemen, owner of Spengler's Restaurant and Pub.
A group of bars and business owners is already utilizing the NORA to try to plan an new downtown Oktoberfest this fall.
