Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area
DORA District
A designated cup, a drink in hand, and 46 acres of historic downtown to explore.
What is DORA?
Established in 2020, the City of Bellefontaine's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is a designated public area where alcoholic beverages can be purchased in an approved DORA cup from permitted establishments and carried throughout the district.
The DORA adds another way to experience Downtown Bellefontaine, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to grab a drink and explore downtown's shops, restaurants, attractions and public spaces.
Follow Downtown Bellefontaine on Facebook for the latest downtown events, activities and updates.
Where Is It?
In accordance with O.R.C. 4301.82 [B] [1] [b], the boundaries of the City of Bellefontaine DORA cover 46.14 acres of historic downtown.
DORA Rules
Enjoying the DORA safely and appropriately is important. Here's how it works.
ID
Present a valid state or federal ID to a participating DORA vendor, be 21 or older, to purchase your beverage.
From Participating Vendors Only
Purchase alcoholic beverages from a participating establishment or event vendor. No outside alcohol is permitted within the DORA.
Approved Cup Required
Any alcoholic beverage consumed in public areas within the DORA must be in an approved, plastic, single-use DORA cup.
No Vendor Hopping
You cannot carry a DORA beverage into another business that sells DORA beverages. Businesses that do not serve alcohol may choose whether to allow DORA beverages inside. Look for signage or check with the individual business before entering.
Approved Hours Only
The DORA is in effect seven days a week — Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. The City of Bellefontaine may suspend DORA operations at its discretion.
Public Health & Safety
The City of Bellefontaine is committed to maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming DORA throughout Historic Downtown Bellefontaine.
The City ensures appropriate sanitation, signage and public safety measures are addressed within the district. Depending on downtown activities and special events, considerations may include additional restroom facilities, accessibility, pedestrian mobility, police and fire services, ingress and egress, crowd control, DORA boundary management and additional waste receptacles.
The Bellefontaine Police Department maintains a presence downtown and is available to address concerns as they arise. Special events may also be required to provide additional police, public works or other staffing as needed.
Beer & Wine Only
It is the City's intent that only beer and wine may be carried through the DORA in approved DORA cups.
Police Discretion
The Chief of Police may suspend DORA operations at any time if, in their professional judgment, doing so is in the best interest of public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk anywhere with my DORA cup?
No. DORA beverages may only be carried within the defined DORA boundaries and must remain in an approved DORA container. Individual businesses within the district may choose whether to allow DORA beverages inside their establishments.
What is a DORA cup?
A DORA cup is an approved, single-use plastic cup used by participating establishments to serve alcoholic beverages that may be carried within the DORA. DORA rules are provided with each cup.
Can I take my DORA beverage into another establishment?
It depends on the establishment. You cannot carry a DORA beverage into another business that sells DORA beverages. Businesses that do not serve alcohol may choose whether to allow DORA beverages inside.
What hours is the DORA open?
The DORA is in effect seven days a week. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. The City may suspend DORA operations from time to time at its discretion.
How will I know where the DORA boundary is?
Signs are installed at key entry, exit and boundary points throughout the district. The DORA map above also shows the full designated area.
Can I pour my own alcohol into a DORA cup?
No. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a participating DORA vendor and served in an approved DORA cup. Outside alcoholic beverages, cans and glass bottles are not permitted in public areas within the DORA. DORA beverages also cannot be taken outside the designated DORA boundaries.
Can I bring alcohol purchased somewhere else into the DORA?
No. Only alcoholic beverages purchased from participating DORA establishments or approved event vendors and served in an approved DORA cup may be carried in public areas within the district.
Will the DORA create additional litter, noise or other issues downtown?
The City of Bellefontaine has multiple trash receptacles throughout the DORA and may require event organizers to provide additional receptacles during special events. The Bellefontaine Police Department is available to address public safety concerns, and special events may be required to provide additional police, public works or other staffing when necessary. The City also retains the ability to suspend DORA operations when circumstances warrant.
