What is a DORA?
- A specifically designated area that allows patrons over the age of 21 to purchase alcoholic beverages from an establishment and carry them within a clearly defined area within the City.
- Established in April 2017 by Section 4301.82 of the O.R.C.; it creates an exemption from the Open Container Law; under the statute, a person who purchases beer or intoxicating liquor from the holder of a permit with a DORA designation is permitted to have that beverage in an open container at any outdoor location within the DORA boundary.
- Wyoming has a vibrant and expanding local restaurant, retail, and special event scene; this economic development tool will help promote Wyoming as a destination for dining, retail, and entertainment.
- The 2018 Master Plan identifies as a priority the creation of “additional opportunities for and promotion of night-out events for parents/adults (e.g. beer/wine and social events).”
Important Information to Remember:
Except as provided in the DORA statute, all State of Ohio and City of Wyoming laws regarding public intoxication, impaired driving, and open containers apply to areas both inside and outside of the DORA boundaries. Failure to comply with the rules as stateed is a crime! Please drink responsibly!
Links:
Click here to read the Ordinance that City Council adopted.
Click here to read the Application to City Council for the Establishment of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.
Click here to view signage that is posted at key egress areas of the DORA.
Click here to view the DORA sticker.
Click here to view the DORA cup.
Click here to view a map of the DORA area.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I walk anywhere with my designated DORA cup?
A: Patrons can only carry designaged DORA beverages in the defined area. Retail and private establishments may allow DORA beverages in their establishment or they may opt to not allow them. Each establishment within the DORA will have their own policy and will have signage on their establishment door defining their DORA policy (door clings to be provided by the City of Wyoming).
Q: Are the hours of the DORA limited?
A: Yes, the DORA hours are: Monday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday, 5:00 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, 12:00 p.m.-midnight, Sunday, 12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. DORA beverages may not be consumed outside of these hours. Additionally, the DORA may be limited if there are special events or private fundraising events which hold an F-2 Liquor Permit in which DORA beverages may be unwelcome or in competition to the event.
Q: What is a DORA cup or DORA label?
A: New for 2022, we have a green DORA label that DORA businesses will place on their own clear, plastic cups. There are also the original color changing plastic DORA cups still in circulation that may be used as well. If you have a plastic DORA cup, it is recommended that you reuse it on your next visit.
Q: Can I take my DORA beverage into another restaurant?
A: No, once a DORA beverage has left a restaurant, it must be consumed before entering another restaurant. For the reusable plastic cups, when empty, may be taken into a different restaurant for another beverage. For the labeled cups, the cup needs to be disposed of in a trash can before entering another restaurant.
Q: Who will be authorized to sell DORA beverages?
A: Wyoming Civic Center, Wyoming Community Coffee, Tela Bar + Kitchen, LaRosa’s, The Arepa Place, The W Lounge, and Gabby’s Café. Each establishment has a “D” Permit from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
Q: How will patrons know the DORA limits?
A: Street signage is posted indicating the limits of the DORA. You can also click on the QR code on the sticker or the cup which will take you to this page to view a map of the DORA district in Wyoming.
Q: Can I pour my own alcoholic drink into a DORA cup or my own cup and carry it?
A: No. Beverages must be purchased from participating restaurants. No cans, glass bottles, or outside alcoholic beverages are allowed within the DORA boundaries. Further, alcoholic beverages may not be carried outside of the boundary area or patrons are subject to legal consequences.
Q: Will the area become littered, unruly, or noisy due to the DORA?
A. The City has numerous garbage cans in the DORA area for your use. The Police provide coverage to the DORA area and will be visibly present and readily available should concerns or issues arise. Special events may require additional Police and Public Works staffing, as is already the practice.
Questions can be directed to Emily Dengler, Communications & Events Coordinator, by email at edengler@wyomingohio.gov or by phone at 513-679-4628 or you may contact Rusty Herzog, City Manager, by email at rherzog@wyomingohio.gov or by phone at 513-842-1382.
Doug Nawrocki, Co- Owner of Tela Bar + Kitchen, identifies the importance of beverage sales in the restaurant industry:
“Tela’s average food sales is 59% and beverage 40%. We absolutely could not survive without our beverage sales. Our focus on craft wine, beer and cocktails goes hand in hand with our chef driven fare. The beverage menu is essential to our success. We need local customers to visit as often as they can and we look to draw new customers from surrounding communities. Having an outdoor refreshment venue will help us drive in more traffic.”
To learn more about DORA, click on the video below:
