When the weather is nice there are so many opportunities to utilize DORA. If reading that sentence immediately makes you think of a little explorer with her trusty backpack and monkey, Boots, you may not have been in Downtown Findlay much over the past year.
DORA, or Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, was enacted in Downtown Findlay nearly a year ago. If you aren’t familiar with DORA you may have been wondering what those colorful decals mean that are outside many of your favorite Downtown restaurants and shops – well we have you covered!
Ok – but what is DORA
DORA is exactly what it stands for – it is a specific area where you can enjoy your favorite alcoholic beverages. There are a few catches:
1) Your drink MUST be in a DORA cup and purchased from a DORA location
2) You must stay in the boundaries. Our community’s DORA is located in Downtown Findlay – see the exact map here. The boundaries are clearly marked with signs to help while you’re walking around!
3) DORA drinks can be enjoyed outside and in locations that allow them and are marked with a green decal (keep reading to learn more about the decals!)
4) DORA is from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily – so no DORA beverages before 11 a.m. or after 11 p.m.
How do I know who is and isn’t a DORA location?
Findlay’s DORA is made up of the 18 locations that have liquor licenses in the district – and they all have a blue DORA decal outside their door and you can see the complete list here. To get a DORA drink you simply need to ask for your beverage in a DORA cup to-go and, when you receive it, exit the location. You can either order it to enjoy while you’re waiting for a table outside the establishment or at the end of your meal to-go – however, you cannot drink your DORA drink at the bar.
- Locations with blue decals have a liquor permit and sell drinks in DORA cups. You cannot bring a DORA cup inside this location
- Locations with a green decal do not sell alcohol and you are welcome to bring your DORA drink inside to enjoy while you shop!
How do I know if I can take my drink inside a shop?
Locations within DORA are all marked with color-coded decals to make it as easy as possible
- Blue Decals mean DORA beverages are sold at this location. You must dispose of an existing DORA drink before you enter a blue decal location.
- Green Decals mean this location allows you to bring your drink in while you shop or visit.
- Red Decals mean you may not bring your DORA drink in to this location. Before entering a red decal location (or one with an orange decal!) you must dispose of your DORA drink in a nearby trash can.
Drink Responsibly
More Questions?
You can see the complete DORA information from the City of Findlay here!