With the assistance of the Sunbury-Big Walnut Area Chamber of Commerce, city staff are evaluating the creation of a DORA that includes the Sunbury Square. A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is a defined public area where Ohio's open-container rules are relaxed. Within a DORA, patrons may buy an alcoholic beverage from a qualified restaurant or bar, carry it out of the establishment, and continue consuming it in the DORA.
Local officials decide whether to create a DORA and set its size, hours, rules, and policies on health, safety, and sanitation. Every DORA is subject to a five-year review in which the local government can vote to continue or dissolve it based on local circumstances.
The reasons for considering a DORA in Sunbury are to enhance the social experience for anyone visiting the Square and to provide more economic benefit for local businesses and the community.
Delaware City, Galena, Powell, Shawnee Hills, Liberty Township, and Orange Township all have designated DORAs in Delaware County.
Your views on this issue are very important. Please complete a four-question survey sharing your thoughts on the creation of a DORA and any restrictions you think are important to its success. Thanks.