CARMEL, Ind. — A new proposal could allow residents and guests in Carmel to carry open alcoholic beverages in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Carmel City Councilor Jeff Worrell told FOX59 and CBS4 that designated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs) may be coming to Carmel. Worrell indicated a proposal for DORAs will be introduced at a council meeting on July 1.
The areas Carmel's DORAs could be established in stretch from Main Street to Carter Green and from Rangeline Road to Monon Trail.
Carmel is the third city in Hamilton County to introduce a proposal for a DORA in the last three months. Westfield and Noblesville began considering DORAs of their own earlier this year.
Carmel's proposed DORAs would function like ordinances introduced in Westfield and Noblesville. If approved, Carmel's ordinance would allow patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages and carry and drink them outside.
The outdoor carrying and drinking of alcoholic beverages would only be allowed within certain boundaries established by the city. The alcoholic beverages must also be purchased from vendors participating in the DORAs if they are consumed outside.
According to Worrell, alcohol consumption may also be allowed on the Monon, but only where is passes into the DORA.
Per a press release from the City of Westfield, the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) has already approved DORA proposals in 13 cities in the Hoosier State.
Westfield's DORA ordinance will be eligible for adoption during a June 24 meeting of the city's council.