INTRODUCTION
There’s a phenomenon sweeping across cities throughout the United States, and its name is DORA.
DORA stands for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. When you first hear the term, your mind may jump to places like Bourbon Street in New Orleans, the Las Vegas Strip or Beale Street in Memphis. While those areas allow public alcohol consumption, they aren’t actually DORAs. Instead, they operate under Public Consumption or Open Container ordinances.
So, what’s the difference?
A DORA is much more structured. Rather than allowing open containers throughout an entire entertainment district, a DORA establishes a clearly defined area with specific rules governing where alcohol can be purchased, in what type of container it must be served and when it can be consumed. While that may sound restrictive, these guardrails are exactly why many communities find DORAs to be an attractive option. They provide many of the economic benefits of outdoor drinking while maintaining a greater level of control and oversight.
HOW DOES A DESIGNATED OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA WORK?
Every DORA operates a little differently, but most follow a similar framework.
Visitors purchase an alcoholic beverage from an approved business within the district and receive it in a designated DORA cup. These cups are typically reusable, durable and uniquely branded for that community, making them easy to identify. Besides adding a fun, recognizable element to the experience, the cups serve practical purposes: they eliminate concerns about broken glass and make it easy for law enforcement and event staff to identify beverages that are permitted within the district.
DORAs also have clearly established boundaries. Visitors are free to “sip and stroll” within those limits, but beverages generally cannot be taken outside the designated area. Because pedestrian traffic is a major consideration when establishing boundaries, DORAs are typically located in downtown districts where visitors can shop, dine, attend events or explore local attractions.
Hours of operation are also limited. Many communities restrict DORAs to weekends or special events, often operating during afternoon and evening hours. State laws frequently regulate the maximum size and number of DORAs a municipality may establish based on population, and many jurisdictions require periodic reviews to determine whether the program should continue.
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SETTING UP A DORA
The biggest reason is simple: economic development.
A successful DORA encourages visitors to spend more time downtown. Instead of finishing a drink inside one establishment, patrons can continue exploring nearby shops, restaurants, boutiques, galleries and attractions while enjoying their beverage. That additional foot traffic often translates into increased spending, not just for bars and restaurants, but for participating retailers and other local businesses as well.
Communities also find DORAs valuable because they make it easier to host events. Festivals, farmers’ markets, concerts, art walks and seasonal celebrations already draw crowds. A permanent DORA provides an established framework for alcohol service, including defined boundaries, sanitation procedures and operational plans that can simplify event logistics.
For tourism-focused communities, DORAs can also help increase activity during slower seasons by creating another reason for visitors to spend time downtown.
Of course, a DORA isn’t the right solution for every community.
Implementing one requires significant planning, administration and ongoing management. Municipal leaders must develop sanitation plans, enforcement procedures, signage, designated cups, operating policies and budgets.
Beyond logistics, many communities raise legitimate concerns about introducing alcohol into shared public spaces.
Every community has different priorities, and the success of a DORA depends on balancing economic development with public safety and preserving family-friendly spaces. Careful boundary planning and open community dialogue can help address many of these concerns before implementation.
HOW DOES A MUNICIPALITY CREATE A DORA?
Creating a DORA begins long before an ordinance is drafted. The first step is identifying who will lead the effort. In many communities, it’s a Business Improvement District (BID), downtown association, chamber of commerce or economic development organization.
From there, it’s important to gauge interest from local businesses. Restaurants, bars and retailers are the foundation of a successful DORA, so understanding who wants to participate, what participation will cost (there are typically fees associated with participation, varying by municipality) and whether businesses believe the investment will pay off is critical.
Once there’s enough business support, the lead organization should seek broader community input through public meetings, presentations, surveys and stakeholder outreach. This feedback helps shape the proposal while building trust and buy-in.
With support established, the municipality can develop an implementation plan outlining the DORA’s boundaries, operating hours, participating businesses, signage, sanitation and enforcement. The municipality then adopts the necessary ordinance, and the proposed DORA typically must be submitted to the state’s alcohol beverage control agency or other designated regulatory authority for review and approval before it can officially begin operating. While the exact process varies by state, careful planning and collaboration are key to creating a successful DORA.