DORA drinks for a year

This story was featured in the July 2022 edition of Sandusky Living magazine. If you're interested in purchasing a copy, call the Register at 419-502-2130 while supplies last. Have a drink and stroll around downtown Sandusky — all made possible through a recently enacted city program. This summer marks the first full year of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in the city. DORA is a designated area that allows patrons of participating licensed restaurants, bars and entertainment venues to carry up to 16 oz. of an open alcoholic beverage in a designated cup outside the establishments. Sandusky's DORA came into effect in July of 2021. "The DORA was spurred on by COVID as a way to help bars and restaurants in the downtown and allow people to go outside with beverages because of (indoor COVID restrictions)," said Tom Horsman, the city of Sandusky's communications manager. "We really saw the advantages of it last summer, of people taking their drinks down to the pier or while they're visiting some of the local shops." Horsman said the city is currently using stickers to identify DORA cups, due to supply chain issues last summer. He said the city is still considering a long-term solution, like a cup with DORA rules. "A lot of bars and restaurant owners have been pretty creative with it and utilize it for different specials," Horsman said. "In the summertime last year, we just saw a lot of people utilizing it outside, especially on nice days. Our DORA is quite unique among those in Ohio because of our location on the lake." Providing more freedom In Sandusky, the downtown DORA generally lines up with the business zoning district and existing community entertainment district boundaries. The area encompasses Decatur to Franklin streets; Washington Park to Sandusky Bay, which would encompass the Jackson Street Pier, the Paper District Marina and the Sandusky Yacht Club. Signage is installed around downtown to notify people when they are entering or exiting the DORA. Ryan Tamburrino, co-owner of Clubhouse No.3 SportSocial, said the DORA has given their bar more freedom. "We've noticed that DORA gives us the freedom to accept customers who want to go outside," Tamburrino said. "We are planning on building a patio soon but it helps businesses like us to be an option for guests trying to be outside." The clubhouse opened in April, a multi-sport simulator bar, where attendees can virtually play golf, basketball and pinball machines. Tamburrino and his brother opened the bar together, after being born and raised in Sandusky. "My brother and I have been out of the state and the city has really developed in the past five years," Tamburrino said. "It has been incredible and we wanted to be a part of the growth." Horsman said the city hasn't seen any increase in unruly behavior since the DORA went into effect. "The biggest issue I've heard of is someone not abiding by a DORA rule," he said. "I think it's just a learning curve and as people get more used to it, and the bartenders get more familiar with the rules, issues will be mitigated." How it works The DORA operates daily from 9 a.m. to midnight and beverages must be purchased from a bar or restaurant within the DORA boundaries. Cups from another establishment cannot be taken into another bar or restaurant. Beverages must be consumed from special DORA cups. Consumption from other vessels would be considered an 'open carry' violation subject to law enforcement. Beverages may only be carried into stores displaying a green sign indicating that DORA beverages are permitted. Patrons cannot bring their own alcoholic drinks into the DORA, and purchased drinks must remain in the designated DORA cup. "The city of Sandusky has such a beautiful waterfront and DORA's keeping people in the downtown area longer," Tamburrino said. "Rather than having to sit inside, they have more freedom. Everyone seems to be really respectful of it, too. It's been a big thing for us." Tamburrino said during the summer season, the bar is focusing on seasonal cocktails and draft selections, with their smoked old-fashioned being their staple drink. You cannot take a filled or partially-filled DORA cup from one participating liquor establishment into another participating liquor establishment or back into the establishment where the beverage was purchased. Used cups must be emptied or disposed of before entering a liquor establishment. Horsman said it's possible for the city to change the hours or boundaries of the DORA and will be considered in the future. "We're excited to have a full summer of DORA. It's a nice opportunity for people to enjoy the downtown in a relaxed way, enjoy our waterfront spaces," he said. "It expands the footprint of our bars and restaurants. I think we'll continue to grow it and market it." Open for business Horsman said there have been a few new additions of restaurants or bars in the DORA boundaries since it was first established. He said the city is hoping to update its website to include an interactive map of establishments inside the DORA boundaries. Wives and business partners Robin and Nikki Lloyd, own OH Taco downtown and said people love to get margaritas in DORA cups. OH Taco is known for its variety of margaritas, from lavender, strawberry and cucumber jalapeno. "There were a lot of aspects that really went into strategically making sure that we have a very successful DORA program," Nikki said. "It's an awesome addition to the beautiful landscape that we have to enjoy the outdoors of Sandusky." Robin said DORA is continuing to grow in popularity. She said she's been surprised by how respectful everyone seems to be of DORA, she said she hasn't seen many issues with littering of the DORA cups. "People from out of town are excited to learn we have the DORA program. They love it and get excited about it," Robin said. "A lot of them say it has a New Orleans kind of vibe to it." The Lloyds said DORA is also spectacular for outdoor events like concerts and Sandusky's DORA stays in effect during special events. Ryan Whaley, owner of Paddle Bar and Volstead Bar, said many have been taking advantage of DORA. "It's been great. People come in from going down the bike path and a lot of parents come to get drinks while they're at the parks," Whaley said. "From what I've seen, folks have been respectful. I don't see DORA garbage, people are throwing their cups away." For the summer months, DORA drinkers can be sure to enjoy cold beverages by the lakeshore, exploring Sandusky's downtown.