Dayton DORAs are proving to be a big hit
Many things changed in 2020—from the way we work to the way we do business. With the COVID-19 pandemic came business closures, crowd control and cancellation of events. For many bars and restaurants, alcohol sales—especially for beverages in to-go containers—became more important than ever. And Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs) also started popping up around the area.
According to Natalie Skilliter, co-owner of the Corner Kitchen with her husband and president of the Oregon District Business Association in Dayton, plans for Dayton’s DORA downtown began two years ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic was on anyone’s radar.
“We had to get buy in to do this from our businesses and then send a petition to the city,” Skilliter says. “It was approved by April of 2020, but with the restrictions we couldn’t implement until Labor Day weekend.”
The Oregon District DORA differs from the Out on Fifth events in that any permit holder can sell DORA every day of the week. Individuals may purchase a beverage from bars or restaurants in special DORA cups. They can then take their alcoholic beverages for a stroll up and down the sidewalks and into any businesses that allow DORA. Beverages must be finished before entering another bar or restaurant, however, and a new cup must be purchased for each drink. During the weekend Out on Fifth events, DORA is in effect.
Local DORAs
• City of Springboro
• City of Fairborn
• Deerfield Town Centre in Deerfield Township
• Liberty Center in Liberty Township
• Lebanon
• Middletown
• Springfield
• Tipp City
• Troy
“The boundaries go up and down Wayne Avenue and Fifth Street, extending to the Convention Center and Main,” Skilliter says. “I think it’s safe to say that because of DORA, we’ve had increased daytime traffic and it has even saved some businesses.”
The state of Ohio ultimately approves and regulates all DORAs statewide. Every five years, the local township or city in which the DORA resides is tasked with reviewing these areas and either recommending them for continued use or dissolving them. The Dayton DORA is currently open from noon to midnight every day of the year, except for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 and Hauntfest—the last Saturday in October.
DORAs have ended up bringing people together, especially those weary from months of indoor isolation. During the weekend Out on Fifth events, Fifth Street is closed to vehicle traffic and tables and chairs are set up so people can enjoy their DORA beverages while socializing with friends and dining.
“This has just been a great thing to do. Period,” Skilliter says. “It’s been a huge win for everyone!”
