D.O.R.A. FAQs

What is a D.O.R.A?

A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area or “DORA” (aka Outdoor Refreshment Area or “ORA”) is a specified area of land that a local legislative authority has designated as exempt from certain open container provisions as defined within the legislative act that created the DORA. (Per: ORC 4301.82)

How Does it Work?

Per City Council Resolution 2021-81, Mount Vernon’s D.O.R.A. is event-based and requires an application to be reviewed by a committee. Prior to an event being held within the approved D.O.R.A. boundary in Downtown, the event host may apply to make their downtown event a D.O.R.A.-approved event. This allows for permanent State-recognized Liquor License holders ("D.O.R.A. Vendors") to sell D.O.R.A. beverages during the event hours and for patrons to exit the establishment with said beverages to enjoy within the D.O.R.A. boundary.

What is a D.O.R.A Vendor?:

A D.O.R.A. Vendor is a permanent, State-recognized liquor license holder within the D.O.R.A. boundary (outlined on page 7).

When can a D.O.R.A Vendor serve D.O.R.A beverages?

D.O.R.A beverages may only be sold during approved D.O.R.A events. Event hosts will submit the D.O.R.A event application to the approval committee and upon approval, both the host and the committee will inform D.O.R.A vendors of the date/time of the approved D.O.R.A event. All D.O.R.A. Vendors may serve D.O.R.A. beverages during approved D.O.R.A. events should they choose to do so.

How will D.O.R.A. Vendors get D.O.R.A. approved cups?

Starting in 2023, D.O.R.A. Vendors will pre-purchase cups from the Knox Substance Abuse Action Team (KSAAT). This will eliminate the need for the vendor to keep track of D.O.R.A. sales and pay $1.00/beverage sold at the end of the event to KSAAT. Cups can be procured by emailing tcockrell@knoxhealth.com.

Can a D.O.R.A. Vendor host a D.O.R.A. Event?

Yes, a D.O.R.A. Vendor can host a D.O.R.A. event, however, said host cannot be the sole D.O.R.A. beverage vendor for the event. Per State Law, all permanent liquor license holders within the boundary approved by City Council (Resolution 2021-81).

During all approved D.O.R.A events, the entire D.O.R.A. boundary will open. Per State law, we cannot limit the D.O.R.A. boundary to a smaller area than what has been approved by City Council.

Is there special training required for D.O.R.A. Vendors?

According to Exhibit D of Resolution 2021-81, "Establishments will require servers to complete [a one-time] online/in-person alcohol server knowledge training and bystander intervention training to help maintain safety in our community. Certificates will be held in employee files. "Upon completion of ALL servers, the establishment will receive a DORA approved decal." Alcohol trainings for new hires can be scheduled by contacting tcockrell@knoxhealth.com and bystander trainings can be scheduled by emailing lindsey@newdirections.org.

Can a D.O.R.A. Vendor choose not to sell D.O.R.A. beverages during an approved event?

Yes. If a D.O.R.A. vendor would prefer to refrain from selling D.O.R.A. beverages during an approved event, they may choose to do so.

Prevention Signage Policy:

Beginning in 2023, the D.O.R.A. Approval Committee will require that all D.O.R.A. Vendors display KSAAT-approved prevention signage during approved D.O.R.A. events. Vendors may choose to display said signage at all times. Failure to display prevention signage during approved D.O.R.A. events could result in sanctions against the offending vendor.

What should I do with leftover 2022 D.O.R.A. Cups?

D.O.R.A. cups from the 2022 D.O.R.A. season should be counted and a reimbursement for $1.00/cup should be paid to KSAAT. Said remaining D.O.R.A. cups can be used for 2023 D.O.R.A. events.

How does a D.O.R.A. Vendor get a replacement D.O.R.A. decal?

If you need a replacement D.O.R.A. decal for your establishment window, please email DORA@experiencemv.org and one will be delivered to you.