Greencastle has become the latest Indiana City to have a DORA District due to legislation I worked on in the Greencastle City Council.


What does this mean?


What is a DORA

A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) permits patrons aged 21 and older to buy alcoholic beverages from authorized establishments within the DORA and enjoy them outdoors within its designated boundaries. Guests can take their drinks throughout the DORA while unwinding outside, participating in one of the numerous downtown events, or shopping at retailers that allow DORA beverages on their premises.

Why a DORA?

Numerous cities have already leveraged the Indiana legislation that enables them to create a DORA. The city's objective is to cultivate a lively atmosphere that encourages economic growth and enriches the overall downtown experience.


Benefits of a DORA?

  • Boosting Downtown Tourism 
  • Additional Revenue for Restaurants   
  • Increased Sales and Earnings for Retailers within DORA Boundaries 
  • Economic Growth via Higher Food & Beverage Tax Revenues 
  • Simplified Process for Groups Planning Downtown Events in the DORA.


Do I need to post a sign?

We will mandate that retailers who are permit holders participating in the DORA display signs, ensuring that individuals are informed about the allowed entry with an open container of alcohol. Business owners not participating will have the opportunity to post a sign indicating whether DORA is permitted.


What cups will we use?

Approved Permittees and Vendors are required to use only the specified clear plastic cup featuring the DORA logo.


Can people enter or leave my business with alcoholic beverages?

A Designated Permittee or Vendor may permit an individual to leave their establishment and enter the DORA with no 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?

An individual is prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages in public areas of the DORA if those beverages were purchased outside of the DORA.


Can a business in a DORA refuse to allow alcoholic beverages onto their property?

A business situated within a DORA may, provided it is done without discrimination, deny entry to individuals carrying an alcoholic beverage.


Just remember, it is NEVER okay to drink and drive, no matter who you are or how you feel, so please drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.

Here's the DORA District you can walk though with your beverages.