Reading Bridal District will soon have a Dora

Erin Couch, Cincinnati Enquirer
Updated ·2 min read
A mural in the Reading Bridal District. A designated outdoor refreshment area was recently approved for a 6.7-acre area in the district. Nine businesses are participating.
A mural in the Reading Bridal District. A designated outdoor refreshment area was recently approved for a 6.7-acre area in the district. Nine businesses are participating.

Reading Bridal District visitors will soon be allowed to carry alcoholic beverages outdoors.

This month, Reading City Council established a designated outdoor refreshment area plan after Ohio approved the city's application.

A Dora is a specified area of land where people can buy a marked open container at participating businesses and carry them into designated areas on the sidewalk and street. The boundaries are established by local officials and approved by the state.

The Dora is about 6.7 acres, all within the Reading Bridal District. It will be on Reading Road from Koehler Avenue, north to Halker Avenue, and West Benson Street. Then it will extend west to Wachendorf Street.

Reading Mayor Bo Bemmes said bridal district businesses and the chamber of commerce banded together to lobby the city for a Dora. The hope is it will spur more economic development in the suburban city of 10,600.

"We love our bridal district," he said. "We’re hoping it brings more people, and that’s what makes all our little shops go."

The Reading Dora is about a month off from opening, Bemmes said. The signs have been delivered, but disposable cups marked with the Dora have yet to be sent. The goal is to have the area marked off and cups distributed the Fall in Love bridal show event Sept. 14.

The following establishments will have Dora permits:

  • Fraternal Order of Eagles.

  • Benson's Tavern.

  • Valley Tavern.

  • American Legion Post 69 Dugout Bar & Grill.

  • Strong's Brick Oven Pizzeria.

  • Foley's Irish Pub.

  • Winey Bride.

  • Lace Bridal.

  • Redwine & Co.

Before council submitted the application, the mayor said officials worked with public safety agencies to ensure it was safe.

There were concerns about fast-moving traffic, particularly on Benson Street, coupled with an uptick in pedestrians. He said they may consider more speed humps on that street in the future.

Bemmes said the Dora was the right move for the community.

"We got behind it, and we’re glad it’s happened," he said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reading Dora to include nine bridal district businesses