This is the second DORA in the city, with another approved location opening in the Arena District during the event.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — After the Columbus City Council approved a plan Monday night to bring another DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) to Columbus, some businesses are preparing to participate. The area spans more than a half-mile between East Franklinton and Fourth Street in downtown Columbus.
This is the second DORA in the city, with another approved location opening in the Arena District during the event.
“I'm not going to lie, we're really excited,” said Maujaula Solomon, a bartender at Land Grant Brewing Company.
Bars and restaurants like Land Grant said the designated outdoor snack area is welcome news and will provide a definite boost to business.
“We have many more events coming up… Fourth of July is coming up, festivals are coming up. Think about what we are building in Columbus. The DORA process will bring all of us together. It will help,” Solomon said.
Once this launches, people around the designated area will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages at participating DORA stores and take them home in DORA cups.
Madison Cole, communications director for Downtown Columbus, said there are some restrictions.
“DORA beverages are prohibited from being taken into other establishments that sell alcohol,” Cole said.
Open containers of alcohol that are not in labeled DORA cups are also not permitted.
Designated areas include outdoor spaces such as Columbus Commons and other walkable locations.
“People can enjoy a drink, walk along the Scioto Mile and experience the new Scioto Fountains when they reopen this summer,” Cole said.
Cole said it fits into the community's vision for a more livable and more inclusive downtown.
“I think it's going to be a big thing to connect downtown and the West Side,” Land Grant bartender Johnny McAllister said.
Scheduled to begin next month, it will also give people a chance to enjoy the warmer weather.
“When you're stuck in a dark bar, it's not as fun as when you can go out and have a beer,” McAllister said.
McAllister said the growing city will continue to attract people.
“I've lived here for 10 years, and this small town is turning into a big city, and this is a step in that direction,” McAllister said.
DORA is still awaiting state approval, but if it is approved, it is expected to begin over Memorial Day weekend, Cole said. It will then be active daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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