WESTFIELD, Ind. — The City of Westfield is the latest central Indiana city to implement a DORA – an ordinance that allows residents to drink and openly carry alcohol in certain outdoor areas.
Town officials announced Monday afternoon that Westfield has received final approval for a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
The Westfield City Council approved the ordinance over the summer to allow the DORA. Officials said the DORA will enhance community engagement and act as an economic driver for local businesses.
“This initiative will foster a sense of community downtown and showcase our local establishments," Mayor Scott Willis said. "It’s a win-win for our residents and businesses by creating a unique outdoor experience.”
City officials said in a release Monday that the DORA will be officially implemented in mid-January 2025. An official statement said the City is now planning a marketing campaign promoting the DORA that will include safety and consumption tips, rules and more.
The city provided a list of several regulations that will be implemented as part of the approved DORA ordinance:
- 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 in the window
For more information on the Westfield DORA, click here.