Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)

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 towns and cities have already taken advantage of the Indiana legislation allowing them to establish a DORA. The town’s goal is to enhance vibrant downtown atmosphere, support local businesses, and create a more dynamic experience for residents and visitors.

Benefits of a DORA?

Increases foot traffic and retail spending downtown
Supports restaurants and bars through additional revenue opportunities
Attracts visitors and encourages tourism
Generates Food & Beverage tax revenue that supports local initiatives
Easier process for organizations hosting downtown events in the DORA

Operating Hours

Zionsville's DORA will be active year-round during the following hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: Noon to 8:00 PM

Participating Approved Designated Permittees

1. Greek's Pizzeria		3. Rosie's Place	4. Convivio Italian Artisan Cuisine
5. Rush on Main	6. Cobblestone	7. Auberge	8. Cafe Patachou
9. Zionsville Pizzeria	10. The Friendly Tavern	11. The Scoop	12. Bowdie's Chophouse

Downtown Zionsville DORA Boundary Map

Downtown DORA Cups

Within Zionsville's DORA boundaries, alcoholic beverages must be in official DORA-branded containers. Currently, participating businesses have received an initial supply of DORA-branded, single-use, 16 oz. clear plastic cups provided by the town. Moving forward, businesses may choose to use other non-glass, non-breakable containers (such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, or paper cups) as long as these containers clearly display the official DORA branding.

FAQs

Are there any timing requirements to the DORA, or is it 24/7?

Zionsville's DORA will be active year-round during the following hours:

Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Sunday: Noon to 8:00 PM

Can I walk anywhere with my DORA beverage/cup?

No, as outlined on the map, you must remain within the Downtown Zionsville DORA boundaries.

What alcoholic beverages can I purchase with my DORA cup?

You may purchase beer, wine, and liquor, subject to the DORA beverage offerings of each approved alcoholic beverage permittee.

Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage, pour it into a DORA cup, and walk around in the DORA?

No, only beverages purchased from approved alcoholic beverage permittees participating in DORA that were initially sold and poured into the DORA cup are allowed.

Can beverages be purchased from an alcoholic beverage permittee outside the DORA boundaries and then brought into the DORA boundaries for consumption?

No, a patron may not legally consume an alcoholic beverage purchased outside of the DORA boundaries by an unapproved alcoholic beverage permittee in public areas of the DORA boundaries.

Are signs posted?

Yes. Participating businesses will be required to display a DORA window decal indicating that DORA beverages are allowed inside. Non-participating businesses will have the option to display signage noting that DORA beverages are not permitted inside.

What cups will we use?

Designated Permittees and Vendors shall only 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.

DORA Cup Mockup

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.

What are the fill limits of the beverages?

Beer or flavored malt beverages: up to sixteen (16) ounces.
Wine, cider, or a premixed cocktails: up to twelve (12) ounces.
Liquor or a liquor-based cocktails: up to ten (10) ounces, including up to two (2) ounces of liquor.

Can a business in a DORA refuse to allow alcoholic beverages onto their property?