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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. If a business decides to allow DORA beverages to be brought into the place of business, they will post a "Green DORA" sign.  If there is no DORA sign, you are NOT allowed to bring in your DORA cup.

Why a DORA? Many cities have already taken advantage of the Indiana legislation allowing them to establish a DORA. The city’s goal is to facilitate a vibrant setting that promotes economic development and enhances the overall downtown experience.

BENEFITS OF A DORA? 

• Boost Tourism in the Downtown

• 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 Downtown Events in the DORA

Frequently Asked Questions
 

What is a DORA Beverage? A DORA beverage is alcoholic beer, flavored malt beverage, wine, cider, premixed cocktail, liquor, or liquor-based cocktail that is removed from its original container and poured into the designated DORA cup.  ​

Do I need to post a sign? We will require retailer permittees to post a "Blue DORA" sign showing where you can purchase a DORA beverage from. If a business decides to allow DORA beverages to be brought into the place of business, they will post a "Green DORA" sign.  If there is no DORA sign, you are NOT allowed to bring in your DORA cup.

What cups will we use? Designated Permittees and Vendors shall 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 beverages must be in the DORA Cup.  DORA cups are single-use only.

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 no more than two (2) DORA beverages.  Any DORA beverage container purchased within the DORA must remain within the DORA. If a business decides to allow DORA beverages to be brought into the place of business, they will post a "Green DORA" sign.

What are the fill limits for DORA 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 one of the above-listed DORA beverages that have been removed from their original container and were not served by a Designated Permittee within the DORA.  

Can a business in a DORA refuse to allow alcoholic beverages onto its property? A business located in a DORA may, on a nondiscriminatory basis, refuse to allow persons to enter their business with a DORA Beverage.  If there is no DORA sign, you are NOT allowed to bring in your DORA cup.

Are there any timing requirements for the DORA, or is it 24/7? The DORA daily hours are as established through IC 7.1-3-1-14.  Available during legal sales hours for the Designated Permittee or vendor.

 

Can a DORA beverage be in a vehicle? Possessing a DORA Beverage in a motor vehicle may constitute a Class C infraction under IC 9-30-15

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DORA VENDOR DETAILS

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How do I become a DORA Vendor?

Fill out and submit the DESIGNATED OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA (DORA) DESIGNATION STATE FORM 57288 (6-23). Submit the completed form to Bluffton NOW! to start the review and approval process.  Email it to blufftonnow@gmail.com or drop it off in person at the Wells County Chamber of Commerce office at 211 Water St., Bluffton, IN 46714.  For form-specific questions, contact the Indiana ATC. Once approved by the City and State, you can purchase your starter pack for $50.00.  It will include your required stickers and signage along with your first 100 DORA cups. 

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How do I buy Additional DORA Cups?

​Additional cups will be purchased through Bluffton NOW! for $0.25 / cup.  Cups are purchased in groups of 100.  There are also options to sponsor DORA cup batches.  Email Orders Click Here: ​