A Designated outdoor refreshment area (dora) is an exception to the Ohio Revised Code’s Open Container Law

And, in downtown Marietta, locals and tourists can enjoy a stroll and a drink on Wednesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.. Beer, wine, & cocktails can be consumed inside DORA boundaries by purchasing drinks from participating DORA establishments.

Consumers should expect to pay a $1 DORA fee and all DORA drinks must be consumed from approved DORA cups, distributed by participating DORA establishments.

We want our community to enjoy DORA and contribute to the positive impact it will have in Marietta. Find information and resources on this webpage about Marietta’s DORA by scrolling below.

The DORA Cup

As a rule of DORA, all DORA drinks are required to be provided and consumed in designated and approved DORA Cups. No other container is permitted for the consumption of drinks. All DORA drinks are required to be provided only by designated and participating bars and restaurants within the proposed DORA boundary. Those wishing to drink a DORA beverage will pay a $1 fee on top of the cost of the drink to receive the DORA cup. This fee covers the cost of business for the DORA establishment and also reinvests in the Marietta community by supporting downtown development.

The rules on the proposal DORA Cup are as follows:

• Don’t stand around and drink. Stroll & sip to avoid crowding.

• Stay inside the DORA boundaries - look for the signs!

• Finish your drink before entering another DORA establishment.

• Dispose of cups in trash receptacles located throughout downtown.

• Drink responsibly & have fun. Don’t act a fool and ruin it for everyone!

• DORA Cups are 100% compostable & single-use only. No refills.

The DORA Boundary Sign

Find DORA Boundary street signs along intersections of the DORA Boundaries in downtown Marietta. DORA drinks are permitted only within the DORA Boundaries and no outside alcohol is permitted.

Dora Decals for Downtown Retailers & Restaurants

All retailers and bars + restaurants in the DORA Boundary will have the opportunity to participate (or not) in the DORA based on the business type.

• For qualified permit holders, the option to participate in the DORA as a DORA establishment will be made available locally. All qualified permit holders in an enacted DORA will automatically receive the DORA designation on their liquor permit as per the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. To actively participate in the DORA as a DORA establishment, communication with Marietta Main Street is required to purchase and supply DORA cups, marketing materials, & notifications.

• For retailers & other businesses, the option to allow DORA beverages inside a business is made available. Specifically, for First Friday events or evening events on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. that the business is open for extended hours and during an active DORA, participating in a DORA can contribute to an increase in foot traffic, longer stays in-store, increased spending, and more.

Look for the below decals on the doors and/or windows of downtown businesses!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)?

DORA is a specifically designated area that allows patrons over the age of 21 to purchase alcoholic beverages from a permitted establishment and carry them within a clearly defined area within the City. Established in April 2015 by Section 4301.82 of the O.R.C.; it creates an exemption from the Open Container Law; under the statute, a person who purchases beer or intoxicating liquor from the holder of a permit with a DORA designation is permitted to have that beverage in an open container at any outdoor location within the DORA.

Q: How many other communities in Ohio have a DORA?

Over 36 other communities in Ohio actively benefit from a DORA. Communities include Akron, Bellefontaine, Bowling Green, Canton, Chillicothe, Columbiana, Defiance, Delaware, Fairborn, Grove City, Hamilton, Hilliard, Kent, Lancaster, Lebanon, Liberty Center, Lorain, Loveland, Louisville, Lyndhurst, Marysville, Mason, Middletown, Milford (Belmont Cty.), Milford (Clermont Cty.), Napolean, New Richmond, Oxford, Port Clinton, Powell, Shaker Heights, Springfield, Sylvania, Tiffin, Toledo, and Worthington + more.

Q: What are the benefits of having a DORA in Marietta?

• Increases visitors to bars + restaurants: Bars + restaurants will be able to turn over more guests by allowing for quick, to-go service of DORA drinks. Bars + restaurants will also be able to increase sales of alcoholic beverages by providing DORA drinks to-go as visitors desire to walk around downtown and continue their stay in Marietta.

• Allows for social distancing: With limitations on capacity in downtown bars + restaurants, creating a DORA would generate revenue for these establishments without having to seat diners.

• Lengthens time visitors spend downtown: A DORA would enhance the atmosphere downtown by allowing drinks to be enjoyed within the C4 District, thus enabling visitors to stay longer and spend more money. It's no secret that customer retention is key to increasing revenue. Visitors will stroll with their drinks, peruse retail shops, and stay longer with DORA.

• Creates an enhanced, unique experience in Marietta: Compared to other cities in Ohio, activating a DORA in Marietta would set our town apart by enhancing the visitor experience, serving as a selling point for increased tourism, and by providing a tool for economic development when leveraged to encourage additional small businesses to open downtown. Additionally, downtown events would be enhanced by an increase in foot traffic for downtown retailers and participants to support local bars + restaurants without the commitment of a sit-down meal.

• Increases retail sales: Creating more opportunities for foot traffic downtown is key to supporting downtown retailers. During First Friday events, for example, many visitors spend the first 1-2 hours inside bars + restaurants having a drink and enjoying a bite. Activating a DORA would create more opportunities for visitors to support downtown bars + restaurants AND retailers anytime they visit downtown on a Friday or Saturday night.

Q: Should we be concerned about allowing for DORA in a college town?

Quite the opposite, actually. We should be excited about an active DORA in our college town! Our local colleges host events like Family Weekends, Homecomings, Commencements, and much more that drive big-time foot traffic into our downtown. This influx of tourists will be an even greater opportunity for revenue in our commercial district and create a fun, unique experience for folks who visit. Plus, the Marietta College President has submitted a letter of support to Marietta City Council.

Q: I'm supportive of small businesses and of downtown but I'm concerned about the "what ifs" of a DORA, with folks carrying open containers of alcohol. Should I be worried?

With a DORA, downtown bars + restaurants are held to the same guidelines they always are to ensure the safety of their guests, check IDs, and not over-serve alcohol to patrons. Our local Police Department will without a doubt continue to excel in ensuring safety for our town. By ending DORA at 10 p.m., we reduce the likelihood that DORA drinks will be abused in late-night social gatherings. The details of our DORA are highly customizable and if for any reason, DORA needs to be temporarily suspended we have the power locally to do so via Marietta City Council.

Q: Do all downtown businesses need to participate in the DORA?

Not at all. Upon activating Marietta's DORA, all downtown establishments have the option to participate. For bars + restaurants that carry appropriate liquor permits, owners can opt-in to participate by agreeing to the local terms of participation. For non-bar/restaurant establishments, window decals will be made available that indicate whether DORA drinks are permitted within their establishment. Marietta Main Street will maintain lists of participants across the board for marketing + promotion.

Q: Simply, will folks be walking around drunk downtown, making a mess, and disrespecting the space we care about so much?

We sure hope not! The DORA is intended to be a nice thing for our community, and we hope individuals who participate in the DORA respect the guidelines put out so we can continue to have nice things in Marietta. That being said, as always, we entrust the protection of our town to the Marietta City Police Department and the safety of patrons to bartenders who distribute alcohol to customers year-round.

Q: I'm hoping to host a special event downtown when a DORA will be active and hosting a beer garden is part of our event revenue. Should I be concerned this will cut our revenue?

Not at all! First, folks with a DORA drink are not permitted to enter another DORA establishment with a drink. So, if event participants want to purchase a drink from a DORA establishment downtown, that drink is not permitted inside a beer garden with a DORA designation. Second, special events can opt-in to a DORA designation upon filing for a liquor permit that includes DORA. Then, upon purchasing approved DORA cups, can sell DORA drinks from a beer garden. This would allow event participants to capture revenue from DORA and also support downtown businesses at the same time since DORA drinks would be permitted to travel downtown during active DORA days and hours. Third, as Marietta City Council sees fit, a DORA can be temporarily suspended for a weekend for any reason.