Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area
DORA
Norman's Niche
What is a
DORA - Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area?
A specifically designated area that allows patrons over the age of 21 to purchase alcoholic beverages
from a qualified permit holder/establishment and carry them within a clearly defined area within the
City.
DORA's became effective on April 30, 2017, and are found in Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 4301.82*.
A municipal corporation with a population of 35,000 or less may create one (1) outdoor refreshment
area if the proposed area will include at least four (4) qualified permit holders and be composed of one
hundred fifty or fewer contiguous acres.
It creates a tool for downtowns, under the statute, so a person who purchases beer or intoxicating
liquor from select A class permit holders or a D class permit holders with a DORA designation is
permitted to have that beverage in an open container at any outdoor location within DORA
boundaries.
Where Would the
Proposed DORA be Located?
The proposed DORA for the city of Bucyrus has boundaries at the intersection of Mary Street and
Sandusky Avenue. It runs south down Sandusky Avenue to the intersection of Charles Street and
Sandusky Avenue. The boundaries at Washington Square expand to the intersection of Poplar Street
and Mansfield Street to the east and Easy Alley Street, City Parking Lot 6, and Picking Park to the west.
This proposed DORA includes restaurants, bars, boutique stores, financial institutions, professional
services, retail, parks, and one city parking lot. While this area also includes residences, it was designed
to encompass key businesses, retail, community spaces, and parks, and five (5) D class permit holders,
allowing Bucyrus to meet DORA requirements per ORC 4301.82.
*Attached ORC 4301.82 | *Attached are the Proposed DORA Maps
How Does the Program Work?
DORA Designated Area:
DORA
Patrons can only carry DORA beverages, served solely in a DORA cup, in the
DORA designated area. The area is clearly defined by ingress and egress signage.
The number, spacing, and type of signage will be determined to indicate the
designated area.
F class permit holders that sponsor an event located in the outdoor refreshment
area may apply to the division for the issuance of an outdoor refreshment area
designation and must comply with rules within ORC 4301.82.
To view this short
Establishments within a DORA: video about DORAs
Each establishment will have its own policy & signage* on its establishment door on your phone, use
defining its DORA policy. *Window/door clings could be provided in your camera on
collaboration with the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce, the city of Bucyrus, your smartphone to
and the Crawford Partnership. focus on the QR
Retail and private establishments may opt-in or opt-out of allowing DORA code & open the
beverages in their establishment. video!
Hours and Days of Operation for a DORA:
DORA hours are not universal, so each community is responsible for the creation
of its own DORA hours. For example, it could Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. or seven (7) days a week from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Taking a DORA Beverage to Another Establishment:
Once a DORA beverage is purchased and has left the establishment, the
beverage must be consumed before entering another restaurant or
establishment or coming back into the establishment from which the beverage
was purchased.
Proposed Requirements for Ensuring
Public Health & Safety
The City of Bucyrus Utility Department would be responsible for ensuring that there are ample trash
receptacles in the DORA and that the receptacles are emptied regularly.
Restrooms are available in local establishments, where the community member is a customer.
*Special events which are anticipated to draw crowds will be addressed by the placement of additional
temporary trash receptacles and portable restrooms and additional personnel as determined. The
legislative authority when drafting the ordinance or resolution may address special events, such as the
Bratwurst Festival.
The City of Bucyrus Police Department is located at the south end of the proposed DORA
boundaries. The Police Department will be charged with routine patrols and enforce laws,
ordinances, and statutes. The boundaries of the DORA will be strictly enforced.
Important Information to
Remember
Except as provided in the DORA statute, all State of Ohio laws and statutes and City of Bucyrus ordinances
regarding public intoxication, impaired driving, and open containers apply to areas both inside and outside of the
DORA boundaries. Failure to comply with laws, statutes, and ordinances could result in a crime.
*Attached are Branding & Logo Options
Steps to Create & Apply for a
DORA
The executive officer of a municipal corporation may file an application with the legislative
authority of the municipal corporation to have the property designated as a DORA. A strong
recommendation would be to create an oversight committee to create the DORA.
The application must meet certain statutory requirements:
A map of the proposed DORA showing the boundaries (must be 150 contiguous acres or less).
*The proposed DORA for Bucyrus is approximately 34 contiguous acres.
A statement of the nature and type of establishments in the proposed area
A statement verifying that not less than four (4) liquor permit holders* are included in the
proposed area. Five (5) establishments have been identified that qualify as D class permit holders
to be included in the proposed Bucyrus DORA.
Evidence that land use within the proposed DORA is in accord with the master zoning plan/map
of the municipal corporation.
Proposed requirements that ensure public health and safety in the DORA.
Within 45 days after the date the application is filed with the legislative authority, the legislative
authority shall publish a public notice of the application in one (1) newspaper of general circulation
in the municipal corporation. The legislative authority will have the application in the clerk's office
for inspection by the public during regular business hours.
The legislative authority shall indicate in the notice the date and time of any public hearing to be
held regarding the application.
Not earlier than 30 days, but not later than 60 days, after the initial publication of the notice, the
legislative authority shall approve or disapprove of the application by ordinance or resolution, as
applicable.
Approval of the application requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the legislative authority.
If the legislative authority disapproves of the application, the executive officer may make
changes in the application to secure its approval by the legislative authority.
If the application is approved, the legislative authority shall provide to the division of liquor
control/investigative unit of the department of public safety notice of the approved application
and description of the area.
Division of Liquor Control issues DORA designation to each qualified permit holder at no cost.
The designation does not change the laws, rules, and regulations that govern its license type.
DORA legislation must:
Specify the boundaries of the DORA
Number of signs, spacing of signs, and types of signage designating the DORA area
Hours of operation of the DORA
Number of personnel needed to ensure public safety
Sanitation plan and number of personnel needed to execute sanitation plan
Requires beer/intoxicating liquor be served solely in DORA-marked plastic bottles/containers
*Attached is a List of D Class Permit Holders & Businesses within the Proposed DORA
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I walk anywhere with my DORA cup?
A: Patrons can only carry DORA beverages in the defined area. Retail and private establishments may allow DORA
beverages in their establishment, or they may opt not to allow them. Each establishment within the DORA will have
its own policy and signage on its establishment door defining its DORA policy.
Q: Are the hours of the DORA limited?
A: DORA hours are not universal, so each community is responsible for creating its own DORA hours. Examples of
DORA hours could be Thursday- Saturday, 4 pm-10 pm. OR Monday-Saturday 11 am-11 pm. (DORA beverages may
not be consumed outside of these hours.) Each DORA community needs to determine what works best for them.
Additionally, the DORA may be limited if there are special events (i.e., Bratwurst Festival) or private fundraising
events that hold an F class permit holder. DORA beverages may be unwelcome or competition to the event.
Q: Is the DORA year-round?
A: Like the hours of the DORA, the seasonal length is also up to each community. Some have a year-round DORA,
while others limit the DORA to summer months when patrons are most likely to be outside. Many communities
have also passed temporary legislation to test the effectiveness of the DORA for a limited (3-4 months) time before
passing permanent legislation for the DORA.
Q: What is a DORA cup?
A: A designated plastic cup for all DORA-approved establishments. The cup could be purchased at restaurants for a
nominal fee OR be provided in conjunction with the Bucyrus Area Chamber/Crawford Partnership/others. This cup
must have the DORA logo on it, as well as rules for conduct inside the DORA boundaries.
Q; Can I take my DORA beverage into another restaurant?
A; No, once a DORA beverage has left an establishment, it must be consumed before entering another
establishment.
Q: Who will be authorized to sell DORA beverages if they so choose?
A: Baker's Pizza, Dillinger’s Entertainment Center & Restaurant, Crazy Fox Saloon, Horseshoe Bar, & Norman’s Niche
Q: How will patrons know the DORA limits?
A: In other communities, patrons have been given, when purchasing a DORA cup for the first time (or anytime a
new cup is sold), received a card with the map and DORA rules. Restaurants could have laminated maps on hand to
show patrons the DORA limits. Signs at the DORA's key ingress and egress areas will need to be installed and can
range from temporary to permanent.
Q: Will the area become littered, unruly, or noisy due to the DORA?
A. Tiffin, Findlay, Mason, Milford, Hamilton, and Loveland, all located in Ohio, have DORAs. These communities
shared different approaches and issues they had to address, but all noted that the positives of establishing a DORA
far outweighed the negative. Trash cans were noted as one of the largest issues (as many communities
underestimated the increased volume of trash that came along with the DORA) and should be addressed before
proceeding with creating a DORA. Other communities noted that they did not have an increase in crime, vandalism,
etc., with their DORA's and that many didn't need additional patrols unless they had special events.
Economic Benefits of a
DORA
Bucyrus has a vibrant and expanding local restaurant, retail, and special event scene; this economic
development tool will help promote and grow Bucyrus as a destination for dining, retail, &
entertainment.
Community members attending 1st Fridays, Music at the Mural, or a movie at Schine's Art Park will be
able to purchase a beverage from a permit holder with a DORA designation and attend a community
event, creating additional revenue for our local, downtown businesses.
D Class Permit
Holders
Baker's Pizza
(D5, D6) Permit #0396259
Dillinger’s Entertainment Center & Restaurant
(D1,D2, D3) Permit #7366554
Crazy Fox Saloon
(D5) Permit #7457775
Horseshoe Bar
(D1, D2, D3) Permit # 2979656
Norman’s Niche
(D5) Permit #6437337
Downtown Parks & Parking Lots in the
Proposed DORA Boundaries
Liberty Remembers Mural
Millennium Park & American Crossroads Mural
Picking Park
City Parking Lot 6
Schines Art Park
Downtown Businesses within
Propsed DORA Boundaries
Starting at the North End of the Proposed DORA
Subway Former NAPA Auto Parts
Ley's Jewelry Baker's Pizza
Flashback Classic Coin Ops FC Bank
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor Angle's
Mark's Homemade Ice Cream Without Borders Boutique
Bucyrus New Day Ministries: The Pelican House
The Outreach Center The Amish Vault
Seigneur Photography Dostal & Kirk Insurance & Financial Services
Abilities in Action, LLC / Marines TLC Medical Supply
SURGE Staffing Lee's Comfort Shoes
Cashland Nationwide Insurance:
Patrick T. Murphy Attorney at Law Andrew Schoch Agency, LLC
Horseshoe Bar Arbet Staffing
Dillinger's Event Center and Restaurant Dollar General
Crazy Fox Saloon Mizick-Miller & Company, Inc.
Murphy's Auto Service Velocity Valuation Group
Former Huntington Bank American Shoe Service
First Federal Community Bank Mid Ohio Chiropractic & Acupuncture
ADM Benefit Plans Agency, Inc. EnVision Eyecare, LLC
Spreng Capital Management, Inc. Former William G. Martin Realty, Inc.
Insurance Center of Bucyrus Former J. Basinger - Prudential Financial
Fit Fab Fun Midwest Furniture / Bedroom
Special Moments Former AAA Bucyrus
The Copper Irons, LLC Sherwin-Williams
Norman's Niche Bratwurst Festival, Inc.
Former Dr. Bob's Smile Shop The Tattoo Factory
Furner's Floor Covering Former Dixie Novelty
Norton's Flowers Hughes Family Hearing Aid Center
Pure Health Dental
Main Moon
Castle Auctions & Appraisals, LLC &
The Castle Coin Shop
The Paper Pipe
Clady's Flooring, Paint & Wallpaper
Wendy's
Maps of the Proposed
DORA Boundaries
Maps of the Proposed
DORA Boundaries
Branding & Logos
Proposed Options
Community Contact for Information
Tiffin, Ohio
Q: When did Tiffin create their DORA?
On July 1, 2020, Tiffin implemented a temporary DORA effective until December 31, 2020. On January 1,
2021, Tiffin's permanent DORA was put in place.
Q: How did Tiffin utilize a committee to oversee and/or create a DORA?
The Downtown Business Enhancement Committee (one of the Main Street 4 points with Heritage Ohio)
began the process of putting together the information and the application. All of that went to the
Downtown Development Board for a recommendation to the City of Tiffin. The Mayor and the Law
Director introduced it to City Council, and Council had to vote to approve it. City Council is the body
that can make changes or terminate the DORA if necessary. The police chief is required to make a
report to City Council (either every six months or once a year) to discuss any issues or reports (none have
been filed at this time in Tiffin).
Q: What economic benefits have Tiffin businesses recognized since creating the DORA?
Tiffin's businesses have reported a 25% increase in sales. This increase is also in part to a creative
response to COVID because the city of Tiffin brought in the Parks Department's picnic tables so
restaurants could, for example, sell a pizza and a drink, and the customers could then go outside
(COVID friendly) and eat. The average increase in sales (before COVID) was 10 to 15% from Tiffin's
research.
Q: What other economic benefits did Tiffin's downtown recognize?
Our local businesses worked together to support and generate sales. Some restaurants would hand out
$5 gift cards to the bar/establishment next door while the customers waited for their table/food.
Q: What days and times does the Tiffin DORA operate?
Tiffin selected seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The reason for this was so that permit holders
could capitalize on both the lunch and dinner customers. Some businesses invested in small bistro-
style tables to place outside their establishment, and the goal was to give the businesses more
opportunity for a return on their investment.
Q: How did the city address trash cans in the DORA?
Since a person must purchase a drink in a DORA cup and go outside to consume the beverage, Tiffin
learned that we needed trash cans next to signs that indicated the boundaries of the DORA and two
trash cans near the entrance of the businesses. A customer can not take the DORA cup back into any
establishment, even the one they purchased the beverage from. This is what created the need for
additional trash cans.
Amy Reinhart, Director of Downtown Revitalization
Community Contact for Information
Tiffin, Ohio
Q: What safety or policing issues has Tiffin experienced with the creation of the DORA?
When Tiffin gathered information to create a DORA, our Police Department called the other 11 communities
in Ohio that had DORAs in place to ask about safety and policing. Those communities did not have any
negative comments concerning the DORA. The Tiffin police planned additional patrols in and around the
DORA but soon realized the additional patrols were not needed. The police chief is required to make a report
to City Council (either every six months or once a year) to discuss any issues or reports (none have been filed
at this time in Tiffin).
Q: How did Tiffin gain community support and ultimately pass the creation of a DORA?
Tiffin did a variety of outreach and communications with citizens, businesses, and permit holders. We sent
out a community survey (responses from over 600 community members), talked with and received support
letters from permit holders, and had businesses within the DORA attended city council meetings. We also
did one-on-one phone calls with council members and businesses. The overall result was that approximately
80% of citizens, permit holders, and businesses supported the creation of the DORA.
Q: What do you wish you would have known before or when creating Tiffin's DORA?
Within Tiffin's DORA boundaries, there were churches as well as places/organizations that provided programs,
for example, Alcoholics Anonymous, that had a concern with being within the DORA boundaries. The
solution was to limit the hours of operation of the DORA in and around the churches and places with
programs but the DORA was still able to operate in the agreed-upon hours; for example, the weekend. Since
Tiffin first had a temporary DORA, we could amend the map/boundaries for the permanent DORA.
Q: What other questions should be asked, or what else should the city of Bucyrus know?
There are now over 30 DORAs in Ohio.
If you have an F-permit event, that area needs to be roped off and is not included in the DORA. You can
include parks, etc., to be a part of the DORA.
Tiffin opted to include parking lots in the DORA. This can raise a concern with police because a person
could take the DORA cup to their car and refill it with beverages they have brought with them.
Once an application is approved, it is sent to the division of liquor control, and they send all permit holders
an updated license with the DORA designation. These updated licenses do not change anything for the
permit holders, except that they are located within a DORA.
Fraternal organizations can be included in DORAs, but can still only sell to their members.
Businesses can not sell or serve DORA beverages outside. A customer must come inside, purchase a DORA
beverage, and then take the beverage outside to consume. Each time a customer wants a beverage, they
come into the establishment, get carded, purchase a beverage, and go back outside.
Consistent days and times help businesses and community members know when the DORA is in
operation.
The city, along with the businesses, can determine which organizations will cover the costs. For example,
the city can provide cups, or the business can add an additional charge for a DORA beverage to cover the
cost of the cups. One city used wristbands to create a DORA fund; however, wristbands can be slipped off
and given to another person.
Tiffin included the top three rules of the DORA on their cups, created a DORA rules sheet, and placed
DORA maps on the front and back entrances of establishments.
Recommended
Next Steps
Bucyrus City Council read over informational
document provided, and Ohio Revised Code
4301.82
Watch the brief DORA explainer video
Create special Bucyrus DORA Advisory
Committee led by Mayor Reser and Law Director
Ratliff, comprised of the following:
-City Representation
-Legal Representation
-Bucyrus Utilities Department
-Law Enforcement
-D-permit Businesses (within proposed DORA)
-Non-D-permit Businesses (within proposed DORA)
-Renter/Home Owners (within proposed DORA)
-Crawford Partnership
-Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce
-Projects, Inc. Representation
Respectfully summitted for consideration by:
Erin Stine, Crawford Partnereship & Jessie Furner, Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce
