Ohio Communities Encouraged to Enjoy and Manage DORAs Responsibly This Event Season

COLUMBUS, Ohio - As Ohio's warm-weather events ramp up, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) reminds both consumers and nonprofit event organizers to understand and follow the rules surrounding the state's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs). With more than 180 DORAs in operation statewide, these designated zones play an important role in local economic development, community engagement, and the success of festivals and nonprofit events.

DORAs provide communities with defined spaces where patrons can walk outdoors and enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from participating liquor permit holders. Each DORA is created at the local level, which means rules can differ from one community to another, including hours of operation, boundary locations, signage, and required cup types.

Once the Division reviews a local government's DORA submission for compliance with Ohio law, it issues a DORA designation to qualifying permit holders. This designation allows a permit holder's customers to consume alcoholic beverages in approved DORA cups outside of the liquor permit premises as an exception to open container laws.

"DORAs have become a defining feature of many Ohio communities, offering people a safe and enjoyable way to explore local shops, restaurants, and events," Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenova said. "It's important for everyone to understand how their local DORA works so the experience remains positive and well-managed for all."

Temporary Permits Within DORAs
Qualified nonprofit organizations (including charitable, fraternal, labor, educational, cultural, social, political, patriotic, and athletic groups) can apply to obtain temporary liquor permits to sell alcoholic beverages at limited events. When a qualifying temporary permit is issued for an event that is also located inside a DORA, it automatically receives a DORA designation. This allows alcoholic beverages sold in locally approved DORA cups on the temporary permit premises to also be consumed in the broader DORA.

During the summer season, it is common for nonprofits to apply for temporary permits within DORAs to support community events and causes. While operating inside a DORA offers added flexibility, it's important for organizers to understand that they also share responsibility for ensuring all DORA and liquor permit rules are followed.

Important restrictions include:

• Patrons cannot bring alcoholic beverages from other permit holders, regardless of whether it is in a DORA cup, onto the temporary permit premises.
• The temporary permit area cannot block the entrance or exit of any other liquor permit holder in the DORA.
• The larger the temporary permit premises, the smaller the usable DORA area is for others.

Nonprofit organizations applying for temporary permits must submit their applications at least 30 days in advance and meet all standard requirements, including notifying local law enforcement, obtaining a signed property owner consent form, and providing a clear description of the permit premises. The temporary permit holder is responsible for any liquor permit violations at the event, such as underage sales, restricted sales-hour violations, or offering unlimited drinks for a set price. The Division encourages temporary permit holders to be careful if they decide to have another group assist with running their event, as it is the permit holder's reputation and permit that are ultimately on the line.

"Community events with temporary liquor permits bring people together and create meaningful opportunities for nonprofits to support their missions," DeGenova said. "We want to make sure every permit holder has the guidance they need to stay compliant and offer a safe, positive experience for everyone who attends."

Responsible Participation Remains Key
Regardless of location or event type, all Ohioans should enjoy DORAs responsibly. The Division reminds both consumers and permit holders of the following:

Plan responsibly - Adults planning to visit a DORA and consume alcohol should be sure to drink plenty of water, eat a meal and make plans for a safe ride home.

Participate responsibly - Attendees should follow all of Ohio's open container laws, including:

• Not bringing their own alcohol into a DORA.
• Not taking a DORA beverage purchased from one permit holder into another permit holder's premises. This also applies to temporary permit events within a DORA, which are treated the same as any other retail permit location.
• Respecting businesses that choose not to allow alcoholic beverages inside.
• Paying attention to the signage that identifies the DORA's boundaries.

Serve responsibly - Permit holders must not serve alcohol to anyone under 21 or individuals who are already intoxicated. Consumers should never buy alcohol for individuals who are under the age of 21.

Accessing DORA Resources
Ohioans can find information on DORAs statewide by visiting the Division's interactive DORA map at com.ohio.gov/DORAmap, which offers boundary details and links to local rules for each community.

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About the Division of Liquor Control
The Division of Liquor Control is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.