DORA stands for “Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.” A DORA is a space that allows patrons 21 years and older to purchase alcoholic beverages in a designated cup from a permitted establishment and carry those beverages within the defined boundary. As of June 14th Dayton’s DORA is roughly bounded by Wilkinson Street to the west (with Main Street as the boundary south of Sixth Street), RiverScape MetroPark and the Great Miami River to the north (with First Street as the boundary east of Webster Street), Keowee Street to the east (with Webster Street as the boundary north of First Street), and Sixth Street to the south (with some areas stretching as far south as Washington Street and Jones/Bainbridge Street). Boundaries of the DORA will be clearly marked with signs notifying guests when they enter or leave the defined area.
You can take your to-go beverage around the designated DORA, either while relaxing outdoors, or while you’re shopping, look for the DORA stickers on the entrances of participating retailers, and sip while you shop. Be sure to finish your DORA beverage before you enter another bar or restaurant. Only one DORA cup/beverage is permitted at a time per patron. Patrons may not enter a participating DORA business with a DORA beverage purchased elsewhere
The Downtown Dayton DORA is in effect from noon until midnight 7 days a week.
The Chief of Police will suspend DORA on St. Patrick’s Day, and may suspend DORA for other designated special events.
