Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)
A Designated outdoor refreshment area (dora) is an exception to the Ohio Revised Code’s Open Container Law
A DORA, or Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, is an area where the Ohio Liquor Control open carry restrictions do not apply at particular hours, and adults over the age of 21 are permitted to possess and consume alcohol in public, with certain restrictions.
Hours of Operation
DORA is restricted to specific hours:
Thursday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m.
DORA drinks can only be purchased during these times.
DORA Establishments
- Millersburg Brewing Company
- Hotel Millersburg
- American Hall
- La Palma
- The Cider Press
- McKelvey’s Pub
How Does DORA Work?
Patrons aged 21 and older may purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages from a liquor-permitted establishment; then sip, stroll, shop, and explore within Millersburg’s DORA boundaries. Before a patron leaves the liquor-permitted establishment with alcohol, they must request that it be placed in the designated DORA cup.
Only beverages in a DORA cup are permitted and exempt from Millersburg’s open container laws. No cans or bottles permitted within the DORA.
Beer, wine and intoxicating liquor shall only be served and consumed within the DORA in a specifically designated plastic cup, otherwise known as the “Official Cup.”
The Official Cup will be distinctly marked to indicate the seller. No other container will be permitted to be utilized within the Millersburg DORA. Used cups must be disposed of before entering any establishment of a qualified permit holder.
Rules of DORA
- Purchase an alcoholic beverage at a DORA-designated establishment and have the beverage poured into the official DORA cup.
- Walk with your beverage along the sidewalks and into shops (who allow DORA) within the DORA boundaries. The DORA boundaries are clearly marked with sidewalk stickers stating [NO ALCOHOL BEYOND THIS POINT].
- Alcoholic beverages can NOT be brought from one liquor-permitted bar/restaurant to another bar/restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages.
What You CAN
- Purchase an alcoholic beverage at an authorized location and enjoy it while strolling downtown within the DORA boundaries. The drink must be in an official DORA cup.
- Sip and shop. You are welcome to take a DORA drink into an establishment that does not have a liquor license. A business owner who does not permit DORA drinks will display such signage.
- Dispose of your DORA cup in one of the trash receptacles downtown when you are finished.
- Have fun! Respect that not all individuals within the DORA boundaries are drinking.
- Maintain a family-friendly environment within the DORA.
- Purchase an alcoholic beverage at an authorized location and enjoy it while strolling downtown within the DORA boundaries. The drink must be in an official DORA cup.
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What You CANNOT
- Bring your own alcoholic beverages into downtown Millersburg.
- Walk around with an alcoholic beverage that is not in a designated DORA cup (no cans or glass permitted).
- Take a beverage purchase from one liquor-permitted establishment into another liquor permitted establishment. You must dispose of your previously purchased DORA cup/beverage prior to entering the next establishment.
DORA Designation
DORA beverages are permitted ONLY within the designated DORA boundary.
Boundaries are clearly marked with sidewalk stickers.
Designated door stickers can be found at the entrance of each business located within the DORA boundary that will tell if the business allows or does not allow DORA beverages within their business.
A copy of the DORA Application, filed with the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control can be requested at the Village of Millersburg Offices located at 6 N Washington St, Millersburg.
To purchase cups, request new door stickers, or for answers to any additional questions regarding DORA, please contact Historic Downtown Millersburg via phone (330) 674-2412 or email.
