Downtown Mount Vernon
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area
DORA
What is a DORA?
A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area or “DORA” (aka Outdoor Refreshment Area or “ORA”) is a specified area of land that a local legislative authority has designated as exempt from certain open container provisions as defined within the legislative act that created the DORA.
How does it work?
Mount Vernon’s DORA is event-based and requires an application to be reviewed by a committee. Prior to an event being held within the approved DORA boundary in Downtown, the event host may apply to make their event a DORA-approved event. This allows for permanent State-recognized Liquor License holders to sell DORA beverages during the event hours and for patrons to exit the establishment with said beverages to enjoy within the DORA boundary.
Knox Substance Abuse Action Team Partnership
Experience Mount Vernon and the City of Mount Vernon have partnered with the Knox Substance Abuse Action Team (KSAAT) in the substance abuse prevention efforts through the sale of DORA beverages. $1.00 of each DORA beverage sold is donated to KSAAT to help further their mission.
DORA beverages may only be sold and consumed in DORA-specific cups.
DORA Decals
Indicates a location where DORA beverages may be purchased
Indicates you may enter the establishment with your DORA beverage
Indicates you may NOT enter the establishment with your DORA beverage
Indicates DORA boundary
DORA beverages (beer, wine, and hard cider) may only be sold and consumed in DORA-specific cups.
Stay in the boundaries, look for the signs designating DORA boundaries and do not take your beverages beyond that point.
Discard of your DORA cups before going outside of DORA boundaries.
Keep Downtown Mount Vernon clean, dispose of your cups in a trash receptacle and please do not create litter!
Drinks CAN enter any participating retail establishment - look for the appropriate decal.
Drinks CANNOT enter a participating liquor establishment (drinks purchased from one restaurant can not enter another restaurant)
DORA cups are single use - no refills!
No outside alcohol is permitted, all DORA drinks must be in an official DORA cup and purchased from a participating Downtown liquor permit holder.
Drink and behave responsibly. All other liquor control laws apply!
DORA Rules
Questions?
Visit the D.O.R.A. FAQ page or email the DORA Approval Committee at DORA@experiencemv.org