COLUMBUS, Ohio — After Columbus City Council approved plans to bring another DORA, or designated outdoor refreshment area, to Columbus Monday night, some businesses are getting ready to take part. The area spans more than half a mile between east Franklinton and Fourth Street in downtown Columbus.
This is the second DORA in the city, with another approved location in the Arena District during events.
"I'm not gonna lie, I'm absolutely ecstatic,” Maujaurah Solomon, a bartender at Land-Grant Brewing Co., said.
Bars and restaurants like Land-Grant Brewing Company said a designated outdoor refreshment area is welcome news, and sure to bring in a boost for business.
"We've got more events coming… the Fourth of July is coming, the festivals coming, think of things that we're building in Columbus that the DORA process is gonna help us all with,” Solomon said.
Once it starts, people within the perimeter of the designated area can buy an alcoholic beverage at participating DORA locations and take the drink to-go in their DORA cup.
Madison Cole, communications director for Downtown Columbus Inc., said there are some limitations.
"DORA beverages are not allowed into other establishments that also sell alcohol,” Cole said.
Open-container alcohol not in the labeled DORA cups will also not be allowed.
The designated area includes outdoor spaces like Columbus Commons and other walkable locations.
"People can grab a drink and walk up along the Scioto Mile or experience the new Scioto fountain that's going to reopen this summer,” Cole said.
Cole said it would fit the community’s vision for a more livable and inclusive downtown.
"I think that having a connectivity between downtown and the west side, that's gonna be a big deal,” Johnny Mcallister, a bartender at Land-Grant, said.
With plans to start up next month, it also gives people the chance to enjoy the weather as it gets warmer.
"When you're inside stuck in the dark bar, that's less fun than if you can grab a beer and go out,” Mcallister said.
In a city that continues to grow, Mcallister said this will only continue to draw people in.
"I've been here for ten years and it's a small city turning into a big one, and this is a step towards that,” Mcallister said.
The DORA is still pending state approval, but once that happens, Cole said it's anticipated to kick off Memorial Day weekend. It will then be active every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.