NEWPORT, Ky. (WXIX) – Patrons can now sip booze while they shop and explore parts of Newport as the city’s new entertainment district officially activates Monday.
The Newport Entertainment District, NED, located on Monmouth Street spanning from Third to 11th streets, will be similar to how other Designated Outside Refreshment Areas (DORA) work in Greater Cincinnati.
Like The Banks and downtown Wyoming, people will be allowed to drink in specific cups (given out by participating bars and restaurants) while walking around the district. The traveling alcohol hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day and during special events.
This makes Newport the third Northern Kentucky city to implement a DORA-like policy, right after Bellevue and Dayton.
City officials say one of the main reasons they decided to launch the entertainment district is to increase foot traffic and tourism.
Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. wrote in a press release that the entertainment district is what business owners and residents asked for from the city.
“Monmouth Street has always been a place where our community comes together, and the NED builds on that tradition by bringing new energy, vibrancy, foot traffic and opportunity into our historic downtown,” Mayor Guidugli Jr. said.
Matt Steffen owns 927 Reserve, located on Monmouth Street, with his wife and jumped on the chance to be a part of the NED.
“If it’s walkable they can take their drink with them, walk to their next destination and finish that drink along the walk,” Steffen said.
“More of that community type feel so people can mosey to the next place,” Steffens continues to say.
Some businesses may not participate in the open-container allowance and will have signs posted indicating that.
All drinks must be bought from a business within the district and consumed within the boundaries, which will be marked. Drinks must be in NED-approved cups too.
“The NED is about creating a more vibrant, welcoming downtown and giving our businesses another tool to thrive,” Newport City Manager John Hayden said. “Whether you’re here for dinner, live music, or just a walk down Monmouth Street, this initiative adds energy and flexibility to how people experience Newport.”
Officials say the district, established in October 2023, pays tribute to the city’s history while also intertwining it with its future.
What you can find in Newport’s Entertainment DistrictDining
- Mad Mike’s Burgers & Fries
- Sake Bomb Newport
- Press on Monmouth
- Blaze Cigar Lounge and Bar
- Newport Pizza Company
- Huddle’s Cafe
- Pasquale’s Newport
- Urban Chick Bar and Bottle Shop
- La Mexicana Restaurant
- Pepper Pod Restaurant
- Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
- Pensive Distilling Company
- Dixie Chili & Deli
- Lana’s Diner
- Sis’s on Monmouth
- Gourmet Chili
- Cookie Jar Bakery
- Barb’z
- The Baker’s Table
- 927 Reserve
- Trailhead Coffee
- Peluso’s Market
Shopping
- Fleet Feet
- Mustang Betty’s Antiques
- Knit On! inc.
- Jet Age Records
- Locally Peachy
- Mannequin Boutique
- Dresser Up Vintage Boutique
- Tesori Vintage Home and Antiques
- Scarlet Vape and Smoke Shop
- Monmouth St. Mercantile
- Mike’s Music
- Schlosser Gunsmithing Co.
- Jewel King Jewelers
- Newport Liquors Store
- Reser Bicycle Outfitters
- Snkr Dept
Things to Do & Services
- Sage Yoga Hot + Pilates
- Artworks Newport History Mural
- Flourish Massage and Bodywork
- Anie Marie Salon
- Wiefit
- Embody Pilates
- Bang Bang Hair NKY
- Carlson Gracie Northern Kentucky – Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Judo, & Muay Thai
- Nadi Kanda Yoga
- No Limits Rowing/The Rowing Place
- Nevels Fitness
- Performance House
- Ira’s Barber Shop
- Campbell County Farmer’s Market (Saturday’s from 9 a.m. to noon)
- Klassicos Barbershop
- Wayne & Co. Goldsmiths
- Falcon Theater
- My Friends & I Tattoo
- Carnegie Hall at Newport
correction: It was originally reported that Newport is the second Northern Kentucky city to have a DORA-style policy. Newport is actually the third to have a similar open container district after Bellevue and Dayton.
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