Friends of Old Town celebrates and enhances Old Town Winchester through local events, public art, and design projects.

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DORA Information

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DORA

Sip, stroll, and enjoy—responsibly.

Old Town Winchester is proud to participate in Virginia’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) program—what we like to call Old Town Spirit. During select events, DORA allows patrons 21 and over to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants and breweries and enjoy them outdoors within clearly marked boundaries. It’s a great way to experience the vibrancy of downtown while supporting our local businesses.

How It Works

During DORA hours:

  • Alcoholic beverages can be purchased from eligible, participating establishments within the DORA zone.
  • Drinks must be served in disposable cups (16 oz. or less) with the business name clearly marked (either written or via a non-removable sticker).
  • You may walk outdoors with your beverage within the designated area during approved times.
  • Keep an eye out for DORA signs that mark where you're allowed to sip and stroll.

*Please note: Not all businesses are eligible to sell DORA beverages, and individual shops may choose whether or not to allow drinks inside.

The Details

What Businesses Need to Know:

  • DORA is only active during the approved times listed above—not all day.
  • Participating establishments must follow Virginia ABC rules:
    • Alcohol sales are limited to on-premise, permanent retail licensees.
    • Drinks must be served in proper DORA cups with identifying information.
  • We encourage retailers and shops to display the DORA YES or DORA NO sign so customers know if they can bring beverages inside.
  • Merchants: Make sure your team knows when DORA is active! We’ll email updated schedules before each DORA event—so please keep your contact info current.
Where Is DORA in Effect?

There are two types of boundaries approved for DORA:

Standard Boundaries

These follow the Old Town Walking Mall—from Cork Street to Piccadilly Street—and are used for most DORA events.

Expanded Boundaries

Used only for special, city-sponsored events like Winter Village, these extend beyond the mall to include businesses on Braddock Street, Cork Street, Kent Street, and Piccadilly Street. You’ll see additional signage marking these zones when they’re in use.

Standard Boundary Events

Celtic Fest

March 8 | 12–10 PM

First Fridays

  • June 6 | 5–10 PM
  • July 4 | 5–10 PM
  • August 1 | 5–10 PM
  • September 5 | 5–10 PM

Rockin’ Independence Eve

July 3 | 2–10 PM

Fiddles & Fifths Festival

September 13 | 12–10 PM

HalloWinchester

October 25 | 5–10 PM

Expanded Boundary Event

Winter Village

  • December 5 | 4–10 PM
  • December 6 | 11 AM–10 PM
  • December 7 | 11 AM–10 PM
Responsibility

Improper Use Can Risk It for Everyone

DORA is a privilege—and one we want to keep.

If DORA rules aren’t followed, it could lead to:

  • Public citations for open container violations outside of approved DORA hours and boundaries.
  • Loss of DORA privileges for future events if there are repeated issues or violations.
  • Greater scrutiny or denial of permits by Virginia ABC.

Everyone—businesses and patrons alike—plays a role in keeping this program successful. Let’s work together to make sure DORA stays a fun, safe, and compliant part of our downtown events.

Contact

Questions

Winchester-specific DORA

Vanessa Santiago – Vanessa.Santiago@winchesterva.gov
Winchester Economic Development – Econ.Dev@winchesterva.gov

ABC License & Compliance Questions

Kevin Weatherholtz – kevin.weatherholtz@virginiaabc.com

For enforcement-related concerns

Winchester Police (Non-Emergency): (540) 662-4131

Let’s keep it fun, legal, and neighborly.
See you downtown!