Uptown DORA

Moving Forward for June

The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) proposed for Uptown Westerville was given a greenlight to proceed from Westerville City Council. Council studied the topic at a work session in March with staff and representatives with Uptown Westerville, Inc., the City’s partner on the DORA proposal.

Here’s what you need to know about the Uptown DORA, including how to participate:

WHAT IS A DORA?

A DORA is 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, like 4th Friday. The state of Ohio approved DORAs in 2015, and several cities in Central Ohio have an active district, including Grove City, Hilliard, Worthington and Delaware.

WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED TIMES FOR AN UPTOWN DORA?

Thursdays and Fridays from 5-10 p.m.; Saturdays from 12-10 p.m.

CAN THE PROPOSED DORA BE EXPANDED OR RESTRICTED IN THE FUTURE?

Yes. Westerville City Council can choose to change the regulations of the DORA, including hours of operation, the service plan, or the safety plan. An expansion of the map boundaries would require a new application to the State.

HOW MANY CITIES HAVE DORAS?

As of January 2021, 56 cities in the state of Ohio have established DORAs; seven of which are in the Central Ohio area.

CAN AN ADULT BRING THEIR OWN ALCOHOL INTO THE DORA?

No. Beverages purchased outside DORA boundaries or from a non-participating liquor establishment are not permitted.

CAN AN ADULT TAKE A DRINK FROM ONE ALCOHOL ESTABLISHMENT INTO ANOTHER?

No. An adult cannot take a drink from one DORA establishment into another that serves alcohol.A DORA drink may be taken into a non-alcohol-serving establishment in the DORA if the business allows it. For example, drinks purchased from a DORA-participating establishment may be taken inside a store or boutique if that merchant permits it.

IS THERE A SAFETY AND SANITATION PLAN?

Yes. State law requires a plan for both that must be included in the application. If the need arises to amend those plans to increase safety or to amend the sanitation plan, Westerville City Council may do so.

WHY WOULD WESTERVILLE ESTABLISH A DORA?

- DORAs have been shown to have positive impacts in other cities that include increased foot traffic, increased spending and increased outdoor gathering in a more COVID-safe environment.

- Uptown merchants that serve alcohol will be able to serve more customers within safety guidelines for social distancing. The experiences and responses from the Westerville community have been positive

- The experiences and responses from our fellow Ohio cities have been overwhelmingly positive.

WILL WESTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL REVIEW THE DORA TO SEE IF CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE?

Yes, staff has recommended an annual evaluation be conducted by Westerville City Council.

WHEN MIGHT THE DORA BE APPROVED?

The current proposal is for June 2021. See www.westerville.org/DORA for full details.

WHAT COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS WILL BE IN PLACE?

The City continues to encourage social distancing, hand sanitizing and wearing masks when not consuming food or beverages consistent with Ohio Department of Health regulations.

DO UPTOWN MERCHANTS HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DORA?

No. Participation in the DORA is optional. It is up to the merchants to decide if they will allow alcohol on their premises.

HAVE OTHER COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCED AN INCREASE IN CRIME ASSOCIATED WITH DORAS?

No. Both UWI and City staff have reached out to other cities with DORAs and none reported an increase in crime related to the DORA. According to the safety plan, the Westerville Division of Police will continue to monitor the Uptown area during DORA hours.