DORA

Welcome to the Official Web Page for the City of Wellston, Ohio

DORA LAUNCH IS SET FOR JUNE 21, 2025

What is a DORA?

A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is a specific area in which alcoholic beverages may be sold by licensed liquor establishments for outdoor consumption. The DORA is designed to make it easier to social distance, stroll within the district and support our local restaurants, businesses, and bars.

As you get ready to enjoy the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in downtown Wellston, we want you you to know the rules of engagement. So, here are a few rules to keep the peace, stay safe, and help everyone have a good time!

How does a DORA work?

Enjoying the DORA safely and appropriately is very important, so there are a few rules to follow.

ENTER any participating establishment and order your favorite beer, wine, or cocktail in a DORA cup. Hours for the DORA are Monday through Saturday from 11 am – 11 pm.

DORA RULES

FOLLOW THE LAW. State law allows for the establishment of the outdoor refreshment area, but other state laws regarding consumption of alcoholic beverages (including the legal drinking age, etc.), traffic and pedestrian walkways must still be followed. Enjoy in moderation and under no circumstances should participants drink and drive.
STAY WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES. The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area can only be enjoyed within the boundaries, which are marked by posted signs. Please do not take alcoholic beverages outside the boundaries, as you could be cited.
DRINKS MUST BE PURCHASED FROM PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES ONLY. No cans, no glass, and no alcoholic beverages purchased outside the boundaries are permitted.
ANY ALCOHOLIC DRINK TAKEN IN A TO-GO CUP, MUST BE IN AN APPROVED AND READILY IDENTIFIED CONTAINER. Each participating bar or establishment will provide the allowed and appropriate container.
YOU CAN’T TAKE A CUP FROM ONE BAR/ESTABLISHMENT INTO ANOTHER PARTICIPATING BAR/ESTABLISHMENT. That’s not allowed under state law, so please enjoy responsibly and dispose of your drink before entering another participating venue.
DON’T TRASH A GOOD TIME. Dispose of your empties and trash in one of the many waste receptacles downtown during the event.
EACH BUSINESS THAT DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL HAS THE RIGHT TO DECIDE IF THEY WILL ALLOW PATRONS TO BRING IN DORA DRINKS. Please be respectful of the businesses.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS. The key to enjoying our outdoor refreshment area is drinking responsibly and having a designated driver to help you get home safely.

DORA DECALS FOR DOWNTOWN RETAILERS & RESTAURANTS

ENTER any participating establishment and order your favorite beer, wine, or cocktail in a DORA cup. Hours for the DORA are Monday through Saturday from 11 am – 11 pm.

EXIT the establishment onto the sidewalks of downtown Wellston. Beverages must be purchased in DORA cups to leave an establishment, and cups must stay within the boundaries. Signs will indicate those boundaries and there is a map below.

ENJOY your beverage while strolling within the DORA boundaries or visiting locations with a green DORA decal indicating beverages are permitted.

DISPOSE your DORA cup when empty or when entering another DORA permitted establishment.

DORA cups are one time use and must be thrown away prior to entering ANY other permitted liquor establishment OR any business/merchant with the red DORA decal.

If you encounter a door with no DORA sign, DO NOT enter that business with your beverage!

YOU CANNOT:

Bring your own drinks into the DORA
Walk around with a purchased drink not in a designated DORA plastic container (no cans, no glass, no outside drinks are permitted)
Take a beverage purchased at one liquor serving establishment into another liquor establishment or into any business with the red decal
Take a DORA beverage outside the DORA boundaries (marked below in red)