Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in one block of Merchants Square, in the City of Williamsburg
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in one block of Merchants Square, in the City of Williamsburg
The City of Williamsburg will launch a yearlong pilot program for a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in one block of Merchants Square, effective Monday, July 20, 2026.
The DORA will be located along Duke of Gloucester Street, between College Corner and Henry Street. Signage is posted to designate the boundaries.
Within the DORA boundaries, from noon to 9 p.m., patrons may purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating establishment, carry it in an official DORA cup, and responsibly enjoy it while shopping at participating businesses.
Each business within the DORA has door signage indicating whether it is a participating business, meaning it allows beverages using the official cups inside its establishment. Businesses that sell beverages as part of the DORA program are also indicated by a door sign.
“We’ve seen how adding outdoor tables and chairs to Merchants Square has encouraged people to dine, gather, and spend time downtown, bringing new life and energy to downtown Williamsburg in the past few years,” Mayor Douglas G. Pons said. “The DORA is an enhancement that makes our downtown even more dynamic, and I’m excited to see how trying new things like this continues to make Williamsburg a destination where people want to be.”
The Williamsburg City Council adopted the ordinance to allow for a year-round DORA in Merchants Square in June 2024, in accordance with state law. Over the past two years, the City has worked to obtain the necessary ABC licensing and has partnered closely with restaurants and businesses in the DORA to develop guidelines that ensure a safe, coordinated, and positive experience for all.
This is a yearlong pilot program. The City’s ABC license for the DORA is valid through June 30, 2027. Before the expiration date, the City will evaluate the program’s success and determine whether to continue, expand, or discontinue the DORA.
The DORA is intended to enhance the economic vitality of Merchants Square while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and businesses. The regulations below outline the permitted activities and restrictions for all participants. More information can be found in Ordinance 24-06.
Hours of Operation
- Daily: Noon to 9 p.m.
- Hours may change for special events.
How It Works
- Purchase your alcoholic beverage from a participating business.
- Drinks must be in the official DORA cup with the business logo and DORA logo.
- You may carry your drink only within the marked DORA boundaries.
- Look for the signs: Each business within the DORA has door signage indicating whether it is a participating business, meaning it allows beverages using the official cups inside its establishment. Businesses that sell beverages as part of the DORA program are also indicated by a door sign.
What’s Not Allowed
- No outside alcohol may be brought into the DORA.
- No alcohol may leave the DORA boundaries.
- You cannot bring a drink with you into a business that chooses not to participate.
- You cannot enter a business that serves alcohol with a drink purchased at another location in the DORA.
- Alcoholic beverages are limited to 16 ounces per cup.
Important Reminders
- You must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol.
- Please drink responsibly.
- Dispose of cups in the provided trash or recycling bins.
- Follow instructions from police and City staff.
- The DORA’s boundaries are marked with either ground stickers or vertical signage:
More information can be found at 
williamsburgva.gov/dora.
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