City of Loveland announces expansion of DORA (Designated outdoor refreshment area)

With relaxation of Ohio ‘Stay at Home’ orders, resolution passed by Loveland City Council last week will go into effect this Saturday, May 9

NEWS RELEASE: Office of Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy

LOVELAND, OH (May 7, 2020) – On March 15, 2020, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Amy Acton, M.D., the Director of the Ohio Department of Health, issued an Order limiting the sale of food and beverages, liquor, beer and wine to carry-out and delivery across the State of Ohio.

 Since that time, businesses in downtown, and elsewhere across the City, have suffered economically from the loss of dine-in service. As a result, City Council sought to find a balance to allow residents and customers to enjoy food and beverages from these businesses while following social distancing and other guidelines set forth by the Ohio Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control.

Last week, Loveland City Council unanimously passed Resolution 2020-46 expanding the dates and times for the operation of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (“DORA”) in downtown Loveland. Within this resolution, the City Manager was authorized to implement this expansion once the state relaxed the Stay at Home Order or allowed residents to leave their homes to engage in non-essential work or activities.

This having occurred, the expansion of the DORA will begin Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. and run until 11:00 p.m., during which time customers of downtown businesses can safely enjoy food and beverages within the DORA. After Saturday, the DORA will continue daily, from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., for a period of 60 days.

To promote social distancing, additional picnic tables have been placed in Nisbet Park and separated appropriately.  Patrons may also bring their own tables or chairs to use as long as they maintain safe distancing guidelines which will also be posted in the downtown area.  Newly renovated restrooms in Nisbet Park are also open and will be sanitized daily by the City.

All residents and customers are reminded that when visiting downtown Loveland, they must adhere to all guidelines and orders issued by the Ohio Department of Health, including, but not limited to, the prohibition against gathering in groups of 10 or more. This will encourage a safe environment for everyone as we move forward during these challenging times.

Click here for City of Loveland website