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What is a DORA? A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows patrons 21 years and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved businesses within the DORA and carry them outside to be consumed within the DORA’s boundaries. Beverages may be taken around the designated DORA, either while relaxing outdoors, enjoying one of the many downtown events, or while shopping at retailers permitting DORA beverages in their businesses.

Why a DORA? Many cities have already taken advantage of the Indiana legislation allowing them to establish a DORA. The city’s goal is to facilitate a vibrant setting that promotes economic development and enhances the overall downtown experience.

BENEFITS OF A DORA? 

• Boost Tourism in the Downtown

• New Revenue Source for Restaurants and Bars

• Increased Revenue and Spending in Retailers within the DORA Boundaries

• Boost to Local Economy via Increase in Food & Beverage Tax Revenue

• Easier Process for Organizations Hosting Downtown Events in the DORA

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to post a sign? We will require the posting of signs by retailer permittees that are participating in the DORA so that a person will know whether they can enter the business with an open container of alcohol. Non-participating business owners will have the option to place a sign indicating whether DORA is allowed.

What cups will we use? Designated Permittees and Vendors shall use the designated clear plastic cup with the DORA logo printed on it. The designated cup style and logo will be made available to all Designated Permittees and Vendors upon finalization to ensure uniformity.

Can people enter or leave my business with alcoholic beverages? A Designated Permittee or a Vendor may allow a person to exit their premises into the DORA with not more than two (2) open alcoholic beverages.  Any open alcoholic beverage containers purchased within the DORA must remain within the DORA.

What are the fill limits of the beverages?

• Beer or flavored malt beverages: up to sixteen (16) ounces.

• Wine, cider, or a premixed cocktail up to twelve (12) ounces.

• Liquor or a liquor-based cocktail: up to ten (10) ounces, including up to two (2) ounces of liquor.
   

Can outside drinks be brought into a DORA? A person may not consume an alcoholic beverage in public areas of the DORA that was purchased outside of the DORA.

Can a business in a DORA refuse to allow alcoholic beverages onto their property? A business located in a DORA may, on a nondiscriminatory basis, refuse to allow persons to enter their business with an alcoholic beverage.

Are there any timing requirements for the DORA, or is it 24/7? The DORA daily hours are as established through IC 7.1-3-1-14.  Available during legal sales hours for the designated permittee or vendor.

 

Can a DORA beverage be in a vehicle? Possessing an open container of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle may constitute a Class C infraction under IC 9-30-15

Is there any cost or fee to be a Designated Permittee in the DORA?  There will be an upfront setup package that will be purchased from Bluffton NOW! that will include all necessary items for becoming a designated permittee.  The cost of this package will be determined shortly.  DORA cups will also be sold at $_____/cup (TBD) and will be ordered in set quantities as determined by Bluffton NOW!