What is a DORA?

DORA stands for a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. It is a specific, mapped-out district where Ohio’s open-container laws are legally relaxed. Within these boundaries, adults 21 and older can purchase an alcoholic beverage in a DORA designated plastic cup from a participating establishment and walk outdoors or into participating shops.

Participating DORA Establishments

• 5 Points Tavern – 134 Park Ave
• Captain’s Club – 232 Park Ave
• Cedar Pub – 200 Park Ave
• Cole’s Public House – 209 S Main St
• Ghost Tree Brewing Company – 300 Church St
• Giuseppe’s Wine Cellar – 209 S Main St
• The Golf Lounge – 136B Park Ave
• Nina Bonitas – 249 Church St
• Park Lanes Bar & Grille – 249 Park Ave
• Ziggy’s Pub & Restaurant – 193 Park Ave

Look for the Signs!

Downtown Amherst business may display one of the following window clings at the establishment’s entrance.

As you leave the DORA boundaries, you will encounter “NO DORA DRINKS PAST THIS POINT” signs.
You will then need to responsibly dispose of your drink before proceeding.

DORA Guidelines

• Age: Must be 21+ to buy or consume alcohol.
• No Outside Alcohol: Drinks must be bought from a participating bar/restaurant. No BYOB.
• All DORA Consumption ends at 9:00 p.m.
• No Refills: Cups are single use only by law. Please dispose of properly!
• Possessing a DORA drink outside the boundaries or designated hours is an open container violation.
• You MUST stay within the DORA boundary with your DORA cup.
• You CAN consume your DORA drink inside the establishment you bought it from.
• You CAN take DORA drinks into non-liquor establishments unless signage prohibits otherwise. If unsure, ask!
• You CANNOT bring a DORA cup into a different participating bar or restaurant other than from where it was purchased.
• You CANNOT have a DORA beverage outside the DORA Zone: Leaving the boundary with a drink is an illegal open container.
• You CANNOT have DORA drinks in the parking lots: DORA drinks are strictly forbidden in parking areas.