Contact: Kayla Arnold, Director of Communications 

Email: karnold@westfield.in.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Westfield seeks approval of Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA)

Westfield, IN (June 10, 2024) — The City of Westfield City Council is considering an ordinance that would establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in the downtown corridor.

A DORA is a designated area where patrons 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages in a marked container from participating establishments and carry them within the district. 13 Indiana cities have been approved by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) to establish DORAs.

“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,” stated Mayor Scott Willis. “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 January 1 – December 31, Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m
  . (noon) to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 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 is displayed 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 at 7 p.m.

More information, including the official boundary map, can be found by visiting westfield.in.gov/DORA

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About the City of Westfield: Westfield is the fastest-growing city in Indiana and the sixth-fastest-growing city in the country. Westfield is home to more than 50,000 residents in Hamilton County, situated north of Indianapolis. The city is known for its 400-acre Grand Park Sports Campus, connectivity to US-31 and State Road 32, and nationally recognized public schools.