Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area

What is a DORA?

A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows patrons 21 years of age 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 Indiana legislation allowing them to establish DORAs. The city aims to facilitate a vibrant setting that promotes economic development and enhances the downtown experience.

Benefits of a DORA?

  • Boost Tourism in a specific and targeted area
  • 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 Events in the DORA

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to post a sign?

  • We will require signs to be posted by permittees participating in the DORA so that people will know whether they can enter the business with a DORA beverage. Non-participating business owners will have the option to place a sign indicating whether DORA beverages are allowed.



    Dora Window Cling Examples


What cups will be used?

  • Designated Permittees and Vendors shall only use the designated clear plastic cup with the DORA logo. Upon finalization, the designated cup style and logo will be made available to all Designated Permittees and Vendors 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.

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 to the DORA, or is it 24/7?

  • The DORA will be operational 365 days a year, from 12 p.m. (noon) to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Is there any cost or fee to be a Designated Permittee in the DORA?

  • The City of Westfield does not charge businesses to participate, provided that each Designated Permittee must purchase their own DORA cups. However, this may be reassessed depending on the future DORA operating costs (e.g., public safety, sanitation, permit administration, etc.).

Downtown Westfield DORA Boundary MapDowntown Westfield DORA Boundary Map


Grand Park District DORA Map

DORA GP Map