513-352-6146
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (“DORAs”) permit residents in specific spaces to openly consume alcoholic beverages; they are an effective economic development tool by enhancing public usage of space.
Cincinnati has four DORAs as of 2024: The Banks, Westwood, College Hill, and Hyde Park.
DORAs are bounded areas designated as exempt from certain open container provisions as laid out in Ohio Revised Code Section 4301.82 and Cincinnati Municipal Code Chapter 838. Within the boundaries of a DORA, patrons can consume an open beverage open beverage containing alcohol from an on-premises liquor permit holder, such as a bar or a restaurant, and leave the premises with the drink and continue consuming it — either outside or in a participating business without a liquor license, such as a retail shop or art gallery. Currently, State law allows the establishment of six DORAs within the City of Cincinnati, each being up to a square mile in size.
Cincinnati's Four DORAs
The Banks DORA
Westwood DORA
College Hill DORA
Hyde Park DORA
Goal​
​
DORAs boost foot traffic in walkable business districts and create thriving social hubs that benefit all local businesses, not just our bars and restaurants.
​
Who Can Apply?
​
-
Non-Profits, Community Councils, Neighborhood Groups
Overview of Process
Community organizations interested in establishing and managing a DORA should first meet with the Department of Community and Economic Development ("DCED") staff to review necessary requirements to be addressed in the application to City Council. Once this initial meeting has occurred, the community organization should engage necessary stakeholders, such as the neighborhood council, business association, residents and businesses to garner letters of support. DCED staff works with the community organization to draft an application to City Council; they then review proposals and drafts applications to City Council for the establishment of or the amendments to DORAs. If approved by City Council, the community organization enters into a management agreement, providing for the services related to the operations of the DORA.
​
Timeline​
​
Applications are received on an ad hoc basis. City Council is required by State law to review the continued operation of each DORA every five years. If you're interested in pursuing the creation of a DORA for your neighborhood, reach out to the program manager listed below.
​
Interested? Have questions? For more information, contact:
​
Justin Halter, justin.halter@cincinnati-oh.gov