Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA) were legalized in the state of Ohio in 2015. DORA districts allow patrons who are 21 or older to carry alcoholic beverages outside when purchased from a participating establishment. Their popularity further increased during the pandemic and Ohio approved many additional DORAs in recent years. Here are the nearby areas where you can grab a drink and enjoy the fresh air!
toledo
Downtown has 2 separate districts and was first established in 2017. The area was expanded in 2020 and there are over 40 participating venues. View the map and rules here.
sylvania
Downtown Sylvania has tons of events and you can enjoy them with a beverage on Main Street. Follow Red Bird Sylvania on Facebook for community news.
perrysburg
Visit charming Downtown Perrysburg and grab yourself a DORA beverage from the 9 participating restaurants. This area was recently expanded and is 53.6 acres total. A second Perrysburg DORA was approved at Levis Commons and goes into effect this summer. Check out the venues here.
maumee
The city’s DORA went into effect last summer. Grab a drink at your favorite Uptown spots: Dale’s, Buster Brown’s, The Village Idiot, and the Elks. More info here.
bowling green
It only makes sense for a fun, college town like Bowling Green to have DORA! There are 8 establishments to choose from and so much to do in BG. View rules and participants here.
findlay
Findlay’s DORA includes nearly 20 restaurants and taverns. See the city’s map and where you can grab a DORA cup here.
napoleon
Napoleon’s NORA was passed in 2018 and spans 27 acres. Find out where you can partake here.
defiance
The Defiance Outdoor Refreshment Area launched in 2019 and expanded last year. Approved merchants will have a green decal on their building. Click here for more info.
lima
Support local businesses and enjoy Downtown Lima with a drink. The district spans from E Wayne to the Ottawa River. View the map here.
fostoria
The City of Fostoria is one of the most recent additions to the list of Ohio communities with DORA. It became effective last month and has 8 permitted establishments. More info here.
fremont
Stop by Fremont’s 12 participating venues and enjoy a stroll around the quaint town! Learn more about the district here.
sandusky
Sandusky DORA encompasses most of the downtown business zoning and entertainment district. View the boundaries here.
port clinton
Port Clinton’s refreshment area, known as MORA, is one of the biggest in NW Ohio covering roughly 150 acres. Currently there are 14 MORA-friendly participants. Browse the list here.
wooster
Enjoy the Wooster DORA with nearly 20 participating businesses. Check out the boundaries and rules here.
Don’t see your local DORA? Click here for Ohio’s entire approved list.