By: Tim Schneider, Manager Local Government Advocacy
One of the largest Outdoor Refreshment Areas in Ohio went live Thursday, June 15 in downtown Toledo. The Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows patrons to carry an open beverage of alcohol outside in a designated cup provided at one of 24 participating restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues within a perimeter bounded by Lafayette, Adams, Erie and Summit Streets.
Ohio House Bill 47 became law in April 2015 giving communities the ability to create such districts upon obtaining their local city council’s approval. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce worked with several member proprietors to assist them through the legislative process, resulting in the approval of two districts in Toledo. In December 2016, Toledo City Council first approved the Village on Adams’ proposal for a district along a corridor of Adams Street between 11th and 21st Streets. That district went live in June of last year.
The Chamber continued to work on behalf of member businesses that were interested in a second, much larger district located downtown in the Warehouse District and parts of the Central Business District. City Council approved the creation of the DORA in September 2016, and since then a larger group of interested establishments and other partners have worked together to develop the necessary operational aspects.
The Chamber continued to work on behalf of member businesses that were interested in a second, much larger district located downtown in the Warehouse District and parts of the Central Business District. City Council approved the creation of the DORA in September 2016, and since then a larger group of interested establishments and other partners have worked together to develop the necessary operational aspects.
Map showing locations of participating restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues.
Chamber members participating in DORA.
| Black Cloister Brewing Co. 619 Monroe St. The Blarney 601 Monroe St. Fifth Third Field 406 Washington St. Fleetwood’s Tap Room 28 N. Saint Clair St. Huntington Center 500 Jefferson Ave. | ICE Restaurant and Bar 405 Madison Ave. M Osteria & Bar 611 Monroe St. NINE 9 N. Saint Clair St. Packo's at the Park 7 S. Superior St. Park Inn 101 N. Summit St. | PizzaPapalis 519 Monroe St. Plate One (coming soon) 420 Madison Ave. SeaGate Centre 401 Jefferson Ave. Ye Olde Cock n' Bull 9 N. Huron St. Ye Olde Durty Bird 2 S. Saint Clair St. |
The DORA represents a multifaceted partnership of local businesses and organizations. In addition to support provided by the participating establishments, Black and White Transportation is the major sponsor of the DORA. Destination Toledo handles vendors and distributes the designated cups and other resources to participants. The Downtown Toledo Improvement District performs trash collection, litter control and safety/hospitality services. Chamber staff works with state and city officials on the various aspects of the DORA.
The DORA operates under an established set of rules, approved by Toledo City Council. The official plastic cup must be used for beverages carried outside. A beverage cannot be carried into another business, including those which do not serve alcohol, nor beyond the DORA boundaries. The DORA hours of operation are from noon to midnight, seven days a week. Special events and holidays will be handled differently when those occur.
The DORA will serve as an added offering for those residing, working and visiting downtown Toledo. There is also a potential for increased economic activity as this has been the experience with such districts operating elsewhere. In addition, the DORA brings an established program for enhanced cleanliness and public safety that did not previously exist fully within the district. For more information, visit the DORA Toledo website.
The DORA operates under an established set of rules, approved by Toledo City Council. The official plastic cup must be used for beverages carried outside. A beverage cannot be carried into another business, including those which do not serve alcohol, nor beyond the DORA boundaries. The DORA hours of operation are from noon to midnight, seven days a week. Special events and holidays will be handled differently when those occur.
The DORA will serve as an added offering for those residing, working and visiting downtown Toledo. There is also a potential for increased economic activity as this has been the experience with such districts operating elsewhere. In addition, the DORA brings an established program for enhanced cleanliness and public safety that did not previously exist fully within the district. For more information, visit the DORA Toledo website.
 | As Manager for Local Government Advocacy, Tim Schneider advocates for local policies and laws that safeguard and foster a pro-business environment in the Toledo Region. Tim has more than 10 years of legislative and public policy experience with the local, state and federal levels of government. |
Please contact Emily Dammeyer, Communications Manager, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce to submit a story for our blog.
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