A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area or "DORA" is a specified area of land that a local legislative authority has designated as exempt from certain open container provisions. So, patrons within a DORA that purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating establishment in a plastic cup with the DORA label on it may then leave the bar/restaurant and travel within the DORA with their beverage. You may not bring your own alcoholic beverages from home into the DORA.

The DORA in Germantown will be in operation Thursday through Sunday, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Special hours of DORA operation will be allowed as designated in advance by the City Manager for the occasion of holidays or special events, with the consent of City Council. The area it comprises will encompass most of the Historic Downtown (see map below).

Download Application to Council for Dora

Download DORA Map

Establishments where you can purchase a DORA beverage:

• Florentine Restaurant
• Don's Pizza Palace
• Laffs

Businesses where patrons can bring in DORA beverages:

• Alleyway Café
• By-Jo Theatre
• The Creamery at Market and Main
• First National Bank of Germantown
• Hedy & Company
• Milk and Hunny (formerly Fox Gallery)
• Jailhouse Beauty Bar
• Harvest Moon Co.
• New View Nutrition
• Sweet Rivers
• Valley View Barber Shop
• Village Flower Shop
• Salon 11

Can I bring in my own alcohol to the DORA
No, individuals may only consume beverages purchased at a participating establishment.

Will people be walking around with open beer cans/bottles?
No, alcoholic beverages must be in approved DORA cups, individuals may not walk around with any other open containers.

Can I take my purchased DORA beverage outside of the DORA?
No, if you leave the designated area you are subject to normal laws and regulations regarding open containers. The limits of the DORA will be clearly marked with signs.

Can I purchase a DORA beverage from one bar and bring it into another?
No, beverages purchased in one establishment and placed in a DORA cup cannot be brought into another DORA participating establishment.

Can I purchase wine or a mixed drink? Or does it have to be beer?
Beverages are not limited to beers, any beverage you would purchase in the bar/restaurant could be placed in the DORA cup.

Can I bring my DORA cup and beverage into retail stores in the downtown?
If the businesses have chosen to participate in the DORA, then YES!

Will all downtown bars/restaurants/shops be participating in the DORA?
The businesses within the DORA do not by default have to participate. Participating establishments will have distinguishing signage making patrons aware that they are engaging in the DORA, i.e. stickers, window clings, etc.

Where can I find more information about DORAs?
At the website for the state of Ohio, under subsection "Liquor Control". Or, visit www.tinyurl.com/OhioDoraInfo.