Mason Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area

DORA - landing page

In 2018, the City filed an application to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in Downtown Mason. A DORA is a designated area approved by City Council that allows patrons 21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages in a designated cup from permitted establishments and carry the beverages within a defined Downtown area.  Mason’s Downtown is a growing vibrant community.  Establishing a DORA is another tool to help promote Mason’s growing vibrant downtown as a destination for dining, retail and entertainment.

City Council approved the establishment of a DORA in Downtown Mason at the Council Meeting on August 20, 2018. The City of Mason DORA application can be viewed here.

The following are some frequently asked questions related to a DORA. If you have additional questions, please contact the City Manager’s Office by phone at 513.229.8510 or by email at administration@masonoh.org.

Q: What are the boundaries of the DORA?

A: The boundaries outlined in the DORA application are from Dawson Street (near Wildflower Café ) to 4th Avenue throughout Downtown Mason. The City will have distinct signage displayed to notify patrons of the DORA boundaries.

DORA sign

Where can I purchase a DORA beverage?

The following 8 establishments have the necessary qualifying liquor permit to serve DORA beverages. If you are an establishment in the DORA district and want to learn more about the necessary liquor permit please contact the Mason Police Department at 513.229.8560 or by email at police@masonoh.org

  1. Wildflower Café
  2. Common Beer Company
  3. Adesso Coffee
  4. Pleasure Inn
  5. VFW Post 9622
  6. Two Cities Pizza
  7. Quatman’s Café
  8. American Legion Post 194

When will the DORA be in effect?

Monday – Thursday: 6 p.m. to midnight

Friday – Sunday: noon to midnight

The hours of operation will remain consistent throughout the year.

Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage, pour it into a DORA cup, and walk around in the DORA?

No, only drinks purchased from qualified businesses within the DORA are allowed. No cans, glass bottles, or outside drinks are permitted within the boundaries.

 What types of alcoholic beverage can I have in my DORA cup?

Beer, wine and liquor are allowable beverages to be consumed in designated DORA cups. Drinks must be purchased from a participating business.

DORA cips

Can I walk anywhere with my DORA cup?

Patrons can enjoy their beverage in public gathering spaces.  Some non-alcohol serving businesses located within the DORA boundary may choose to allow DORA patrons to enter their establishment. Individual Downtown businesses may have separate DORA policies.

Can I take my DORA cup back inside the establishment in which it was purchased?

No. Once a DORA cup has left a business, it must be consumed before you re-enter the business in which it was purchased or any other business that serves alcoholic beverages.

How do I know what businesses I can go into with my DORA drink?

Businesses serving DORA beverages will have the below sticker decal displayed:

DORA_servedhere

Businesses that do not serve DORA beverages but welcome patrons who are enjoying their beverages will have the below sticker decal displayed in their window/ door:

DORA_participating

Please do not enter businesses with your DORA beverage if they have the below window decal displayed:

DORA_exempt

If you have any additional questions, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 513.229.8510.