DAYTON — Downtown Dayton expanded its designated outdoor refreshment areas just in time for summer.
News Center 7 has covered expansion plans for months.
Expanding DORA to include more of downtown was a top community priority in the action plan for downtown Dayton’s recovery from the pandemic.
Dayton City Commissioners voted unanimously to expand the city’s DORA in late May and it has now been approved by the State of Ohio Liquor Control Board. The DORA will operate from noon until midnight, seven days a week.
>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Dayton’s expanded DORA to begin Wednesday
The DORA will allow those 21 years and older to purchase alcoholic beverages in designated cups from permitted establishments and carry those drinks around outside within the designated area. All beverages must be finished or disposed of before entering another business that sells alcohol.
The hope is to help the area’s small businesses recover from the pandemic.
“It’s exciting to see months of collaboration, partnership, and hard work come to this result,” Sandra Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Tuesday. “Everyone involved in the effort to expand the DORA shares the common goal of wanting to help our small businesses succeed, especially those businesses still struggling from the effects of COVID-19.”
>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Dayton city commission approves DORA expansion
Some in Downtown Dayton Wednesday said they think the expansion is a good idea.
“I hope it’s more of a community feel and just instead of having to go from place to place you just exist,” Molly Bobo of Dayton said.
Dayton police will suspend DORA on St. Patrick’s Day and could suspend it for other designated special events.
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