Westfield seeks approval of Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area

The Westfield City Council is considering an ordinance that would establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in the downtown corridor.

A DORA is an area where patrons 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages in a marked container from participating establishments and carry them within the district. Thirteen Indiana cities have been approved by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) to establish DORAs.

Willis

“DORAs enhance opportunities for walkable downtowns and community engagement in outdoor settings and we are excited to be pursuing approval for one in our downtown area that is prime for development,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “We know this will be a positive economic driver for our downtown restaurants.”

As part of the ordinance presented, there are several regulations that will be put in place, which includes:

• The Downtown Westfield DORA is in effect Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, Monday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Only specific plastic cups with the DORA logo are permitted to be used for DORA beverages.
• A maximum of two beverages can be served at a time.
• DORA beverages are allowed only within the DORA boundaries.
• Exit signage is placed at the boundaries of the DORA, and DORA beverages are not permitted outside of these exit points.
• DORA containers must be disposed of before entering another bar or restaurant including those that are Designated Permittees and those businesses displaying a “DORA beverages are not permitted” decal in the window.

Nine businesses within the DORA boundary have applied to participate. Businesses can be added to the DORA designation list by resolution of the Council, which will be reviewed on a quarterly basis.

The ordinance will be eligible for adoption at the June 24 City Council meeting, which will start at 7 p.m.

More information can be found at westfield.in.gov/DORA.