Geneva City DORA

DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area)

What is a DORA?

A DORA is a designated area where licensed liquor establishments may sell alcoholic beverages for outdoor consumption. The DORA is designed to serve as an economic development tool and support downtown revitalization as people stroll within the downtown business district and support our local restaurants and bars. Geneva’s DORA was established in September, 2024.

How Does DORA Work?

Safely enjoying DORA is as simple as ENTER, EXIT, ENJOY, and DISPOSE.

ENTER any participating establishment and order your favorite beer, wine, or cocktail in a DORA cup. Hours for the DORA are daily, Sunday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. -11 p.m.

EXIT the establishment onto the sidewalks of downtown Geneva. 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 provided on this webpage.

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

DISPOSE your DORA cup when empty or when entering another designated liquor permit holder’s establishment. DORA cups are for 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.

One May NOT:

Bring drinks purchased outside of the DORA into the DORA.

Use ANY container for drinks other than the provided DORA cup.

Take a beverage purchased at one liquor-serving establishment into another liquor serving establishment or into any business with the red DORA decal.

Take a DORA beverage outside designated DORA boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I walk anywhere with my DORA cup?

A: DORA beverages are only allowed in the defined DORA boundaries. It is up to each business within the boundaries to decide whether or not to allow DORA cups in their business. Signage will be visible at each establishment defining its DORA policy.

Q: Are the hours of the DORA limited?

A: Yes. DORA is available Sunday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. DORA may be limited due to special events (i.e. Grape Jamboree) or other special events where alcohol is served and DORA may be seen as competition to the event.

Q: What is a DORA cup?

A: A DORA cup is a designated plastic cup displaying the City of Geneva DORA logo, that is provided at all participating businesses.

Q: Can I take my DORA beverage into another liquor-selling business?

A: No. All beverages purchased at participating liquor-selling establishments must be consumed before entering another liquor-selling business.

Q: Where can I buy a DORA beverage?

Participating businesses in the DORA include: Darkroom Brewing Co.; Pueblo Real; F.O.E. Aerie 2243 Lake Shore; Joe Fiacco Place; VFW Post 6846; Capo’s Pizza 11. Each establishment is properly permitted through Ohio Division of Liquor Control.

Q: How will patrons know the DORA limits?

A: Signs are posted along the entire DORA boundary. A boundary map may also be provided.

Q: Can I pour my own alcoholic drink into a DORA cup and carry it?

A: No. Beverages must be purchased at participating establishments. No cans, glass bottles, or outside alcoholic drinks are allowed in the DORA. Carrying a filled DORA cup outside of the marked boundaries opens the patron to legal consequences.

Q: Will the area become littered, unruly, or noisy due to DORA?

A: Over 100 communities in Ohio have DORAs and the overall consensus throughout the state has been extremely positive. Per the DORA Public Health & Safety Plan, the city has an adequate number of garbage cans in the DORA area for excess waste. The Geneva Police Department provides coverage to the DORA area and will be visibly present and readily available should concerns or issues arise. Special events may require additional Police and/or City staffing, which is also outlined in the Public Safety policy.

Q: Is DORA active during the Grape Jamboree?

A: No. DORA is temporarily suspended during the Grape Jamboree.

Q: Can the city suspend the DORA if necessary?

A: Yes. The city reserves the right to temporarily suspend the DORA at any time if it is believed to be in the best interest of the community’s public safety.