The City of Troy and Troy Main Street are excited to announce that the State of Ohio has approved our downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). A DORA allows visitors aged 21 and older to purchase an alcoholic beverage from an approved and liquor-permitted establishment, then stroll and shop within established boundaries.
Troy's DORA will encompass a 20.24-acre area including the Public Square and parts of downtown and will be in operation on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. Alcoholic beverages purchased from participating, liquor-permitting businesses could then be consumed outdoors and in businesses displaying signage that says they accept DORA drinks.
Before proposing the DORA, City staff and Troy Main Street surveyed leaders of 26 Ohio communities with DORAs. These other municipalities found that DORAs provide an additional attraction for patrons and helps create a destination for dining and entertainment. These communities have had overwhelmingly positive experiences and the City of Troy hopes to the DORA will support our downtown businesses after a trying year.
Mayor Robin Oda stated, "2021 is a crucial year, which may make or break our downtown restaurants and retailers. We're excited by the positive feedback we received from residents and businesses, who know that DORA will be a great way to reintroduce residents and visitors to our struggling but resilient historic downtown economy."
Troy Main Street Executive Director Andrea Keller added: "Troy Main Street is excited for all the DORA has to offer our downtown businesses as it will contribute to additional outdoor seating, increased foot traffic, collaboration between downtown businesses, and draw both visitors and locals to enjoy downtown Troy. In what has been a very difficult year for our downtown businesses, it is imperative that we do all that we can to support our local businesses and their growth. We believe establishing a DORA will do just that. We have received quite a bit of positive support for the DORA and we are excited about the ways it will contribute to the survival of our downtown businesses during a trying time."
Information about the DORA’s launch date will be available soon. For more information, visit www.troyohio.gov/DORA.