Photo by Douglas Trattner

Shaker Heights' Van Aken District could soon be the new little New Orleans, at least when it comes to open container restrictions.Mayor David Weiss, along with other Shaker Heights leaders, is pushing for the spot to become an "open refreshment area," meaning that patrons could drink alcohol within the confines of the space.As Mayor Weiss explained to News 5: "For participating vendors, they can sell alcoholic beverages that you can consume on premises or walk around and window shop or have an enjoyable time in our park."You would not be allowed to bring your beverage into another bar/restaurant (any place with a liquor license), but are allowed to purchase a drink from a business in a special to-go cup and walk around the premises.Signs will be put in place so drinkers know where they're allowed to wander. Reportedly , the new proposal could go into effect as soon as summer, as a petition to permit has already been filed with the city. Public meetings are set to follow so that everyone can have their say on drinking while Van Aken-ing.