In 2020, the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, DORA, went live in Kent.

DORA is a statewide program implemented locally by Main Street Kent. It allows alcohol to be sold from participating businesses to patrons 21 and older for outdoor consumption within set boundaries during set hours.

It was previously in a 90-day trial period in which the Kent City Council considered its continuation. The program has been successful ever since.

Heather Malarcik, executive director of Main Street Kent, said DORA has succeeded because it causes minimal issues and helps businesses.

“It was really beneficial to our downtown bar and restaurant establishments that were struggling, especially because of COVID,” she said.

Working around hurdles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is one reason why DORA was able to catch on in the community, Malarcik said.

“We talked to some bar owners in the area, and there wasn’t a lot of interest. But then once COVID hit and curfew was put in place, and they were all really struggling, they said, ‘Let’s give it a shot,’” she said. “It was kind of a nice kickoff for the program, as far as COVID and restrictions.”

Even in the winter when the program is slow, patrons and businesses that participate in DORA still actively engage with it, Malarcik said. For example, during events like the chocolate walk.

“This is a slower time of year for the businesses, and it’s another nice kind of kick for them,” she said.

Ashley Vogias, assistant manager at the North Water Brewing Company bar, said the bar enjoys DORA because it makes them feel closer to Kent.

“It’s nice that it connects us a little bit more to the downtown area and kind of brings us a little bit more awareness to where we are,” she said.

During the summer, Vogias said a lot of people still come in for the bar experience, but others, especially locals, take part in DORA.

“We do have some people that live in the neighborhood that all come in here, sit down, have a beer and then take one to go downtown,” Vogias said.

Main Street Kent designed the local DORA program to thrive near the university, Malarcik said.

“We built the program to kind of fit a college town,” Malarick said, “and it’s been really successful, so it’s been great for businesses.”

Aaron Cousin is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].