Downtown Mount Vernon

Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area

D.O.R.A.

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?

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 event a D.O.R.A.-approved event. This allows for permanent State-recognized Liquor License holders 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.

Knox Substance Abuse Action Team Partnership

Experience Mount Vernon and the City of Mount Vernon have partnered with the Knox Substance Abuse Action Team (KSAAT) in the substance abuse prevention efforts through the sale of D.O.R.A. beverages. $1.00 of each D.O.R.A. beverage sold is donated to KSAAT to help further their mission.

D.O.R.A. beverages may only be sold and consumed in D.O.R.A.-specific cups.

D.O.R.A. Decals

  • D.O.R.A. beverages may only be sold and consumed in D.O.R.A.-specific cups.

  • Stay in the boundaries, look for the signs designating DORA boundaries and do not take your beverages beyond that point.

  • Discard of your D.O.R.A. cups before going outside of DORA boundaries.

  • Keep Downtown Mount Vernon clean, dispose of your cups in a trash receptacle and please do not create litter!

  • Drinks CAN enter any participating retail establishment - look for the appropriate decal.

  • Drink CANNOT enter a participating liquor establishment (drinks purchased from one restaurant can not enter another restaurant)

  • D.O.R.A. cups are single use - no refills! 

  • No outside alcohol is permitted, all D.O.R.A. drinks must be in an official D.O.R.A. cup and purchased from a participating Downtown liquor permit holder. 

  • Drink and behave responsibly. All other liquor control laws apply! 

D.O.R.A. Rules

Questions?

Visit the D.O.R.A. FAQ page or email the D.O.R.A. Approval Committee at DORA@experiencemv.org