The outdoor drinking area’s new boundaries will go into effect in mid-June.

Starting this summer, Daytonians will be able to carry drinks outdoors in a much larger area of downtown Dayton.

The Dayton City Commission has succeeded in lobbying for the expansion of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)—Dayton’s open-air space that allows patrons 21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages from local drinking venues and carry the beverages within a
defined area.

Previously restricted only to the Oregon District, Dayton’s DORA will now include much of Dayton’s downtown area. It will be demarcated loosely by the Great Miami River, Riverscape MetroPark, Wilkinson Street and Sixth Street. Much like Cincinnati’s DORA, Dayton hopes incorporating more space will revitalize small businesses and reestablish nightlife in the lingering aftermath of COVID-19.

Approved DORA drinking establishments include the live music bar Blind Bob’s on East Fifth Street, popular gastropub Toll Pub on Wayne Avenue, the Yellow Cab Tavern on East Fourth Street and old-style pub Oregon Express on East Fifth Street, among other local favorites.

DORA’s expansion sees the previous boundaries increase more than nine times in size. The area will be open from noon until midnight every day, giving Dayton a further space to host live events and draw crowds back downtown.

Barring a block from the state and the Liquor Control Commission, Dayton DORA’s expansion will officially go into effect in mid-June.