SMORA under review

ST. MARYS - The City of St. Marys is in the process of reviewing its designated outdoor refreshment area five years after it was first established.

A DORA is an area where open carry restrictions do not apply at particular hours, and adults are permitted to possess and consume beer, wine and liquor in DORA-designated disposable cups in public with certain restrictions. The areas allow patrons of participating local restaurants and bars to buy up to two alcoholic drinks that they could consume outside or while shopping within a designated area.

St. Marys' DORA, or SMORA - for St. Marys Outdoor Refreshment Area - was implemented in May of 2021 through the passage of an emergency ordinance.

The city's DORA is just under 70 acres and includes six alcohol-serving establishments: Friendly Tavern, Grand Opera House, Guarnieri's Pizzeria, Roots Pub, The Eagles and Gr8 Vines. It's in effect from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from participating establishments within the DORA. No drinks can be brought into the DORA from outside.

Participating establishments are provided special SMORA cups, provided by the St. Marys Area Resource Team (SMART), for patrons to use in the designated area.

SMART is a self-funded group created six years ago to help revive downtown St. Marys.

Per state law, communities are required to evaluate their DORAs every five years as long as they are in operation. As a part of the city's review, they must pass an ordinance or resolution approving the DORA's continued use or dissolving it.

St. Marys city councilors this week gave the first reading of an ordinance to conduct a five-year review of the program, and approve its continued operation.

As a part of the review, city officials set a public hearing on the matter for April 27.

However, city officials haven't received complaints regarding the SMORA since it was implemented.

"We believe it has been successful and participating adults have acted responsible," city safety service director Greg Foxhoven told The Daily Standard. "The administration talks often with Chief (Lucas) Turpin to ensure compliance is met and the initiative is accomplishing its goal."

At council's regular meeting on Monday, both Turpin and Mayor Joe Hurlburt Jr. told councilors they had no issue with the DORA's renewal.

Though legal in Ohio since 2015, DORAs grew in popularity amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an article from the Ohio State University Extension.

"In light of COVID-19, many Ohio communities have utilized DORA designations to aid local restaurants and businesses that are primarily in the central business districts," the Ohioline article reads. "Participating residents said they enjoyed having an outdoor meal with family and friends, supporting local businesses, and re-establishing social connections."

There are currently five DORAs established in the Grand Lake region. Those are located in St. Marys, Celina, Rockford, Minster and Wapakoneta.

St. Marys' DORA ordinance is set for a second reading at the next city council meeting on April 13 in council chambers.