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Westerville Working on “DORA
Uptown District in Consideration for ‘Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area’
Westerville’s historic Uptown District is under consideration for a DORA, or Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, a program that allows licensed liquor establishments inside an approved area to sell alcohol to adults age 21 or older at special times that can be carried out in marked cups.
The City is partnering with Uptown Westerville, Inc. (UWI), the non-profit membership organization built to protect, support and grow Uptown Westerville, to explore the concept for local restaurants and how it would operate in conjunction with other merchants and special events. The state of Ohio approved DORAs in 2015, and several cities in Central Ohio have an active district, including Dublin, Hilliard, Worthington and Delaware. The City of Powell
-ROB RISHEL Economic Development Coordinator approved a DORA last year, which is observed from 4-10 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in downtown Powell. Since it started in the age of COVID, Powell added safety measures including temporary hand sanitizer stations and additional signage to remind patrons to be cognizant of social distancing. Westerville’s economic development team says a DORA in Uptown will contribute to the district’s vitality, growing upon its success as a regional destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.
“There has been clear interest in the ability to buy an adult beverage from our restaurants and take a stroll around our Uptown,” said Rob Rishel, Economic Development Coordinator. “DORAs are essentially a limited exception to the open container laws, and they allow a way to responsibly create designated boundaries where that can happen. It gives more choices to Uptown visitors and the bonus is increased foot traffic for our local merchants.”
The process of exploring the DORA in Uptown continues through the spring. Updates will be posted on the City website (www. westerville.org/uptown) and through the weekly e-newsletter (subscribe from the front page of the website).
IN THE NEXT ISSUE:
Summer is almost here!
In the May/June edition of the Community Recreation Guide you will find information on opening plans for Highlands Park Aquatic Center under social-distancing regulations and new classes and events that will be scheduled with Parks and Recreation. You’ll also see your submissions for “Spring is Upon Us,” featuring your photos and stories about getting outdoors again and enjoying Westerville parks.
