The Brownsburg Town Council approved a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) for downtown Brownsburg on August 27. The DORA will launch in late fall.
Here are 10 things to know about Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA):
1. What is a DORA?
DORA stands for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. It allows people 21 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved businesses within the DORA and carry those beverages outside to enjoy within the designated boundaries.
That means you could purchase a drink from a participating restaurant or business and enjoy it while walking around Downtown Brownsburg, relaxing outdoors, or attending an event within the DORA.
2. Brownsburg’s DORA is in downtown Brownsburg.
Brownsburg’s first DORA is located in downtown Brownsburg and is designed to support local businesses, encourage walkability, and enhance the special events in the area.
The DORA provides an additional opportunity for restaurants and bars in the designated area to serve customers while encouraging visitors to explore downtown retailers and other businesses. Vendors can also participate in events held within designated DORA vendor areas.
The map below shows the specific boundaries of the DORA.
“Since opening in 2020, right in the middle of the COVID outbreak, we have seen nothing but positive movement by the town itself,” said Noble Romans Director of Operations Terry Farabaugh. “The whole community has been such a joy to serve that we feel very positive about the opportunity to continue to serve them with a new benefit.”
3. The DORA will operate year-round.
The downtown Brownsburg DORA is in effect from January 1 to December 31. Monday-Thursday from 12 PM – 10 PM and Friday-Sunday from 10 AM – 10 PM.
4. There’s a limit to the number of drinks a person can carry within the DORA boundaries.
At any given time, a person may carry no more than two alcoholic beverages within the DORA.
DORA beverages must be served in the designated clear plastic DORA cups. When visiting a local vendor, make sure to specify that you want your alcoholic beverage provided in a DORA cup. The cups help identify beverages that are permitted within the DORA.
5. Alcohol purchased outside of the DORA cannot be consumed in public areas within the DORA.
The establishment of a DORA does not allow people to bring their own alcoholic beverages into public areas within the DORA. Alcohol purchased outside of the DORA may not be consumed within the DORA. DORA beverages must be purchased from an approved DORA permittee or vendor and served in the required DORA cup.
As always, patrons should enjoy the DORA responsibly, respect residents and businesses, and never drink and drive.
6. All open containers purchased within the DORA must stay within the DORA footprint and in DORA cups.
Just because you have a DORA cup doesn’t mean you can take it anywhere in Brownsburg. DORA beverages must remain within the designated DORA boundaries. Patrons should pay attention to DORA signage and dispose of their cups before leaving the DORA footprint.
It is also still against the law for minors to consume alcohol or for a person to be publicly intoxicated.
7. There are 10 local establishments currently participating in the Downtown DORA.
Participation in the DORA isn’t automatic; business owners must apply and be approved to participate.
Participants in Brownsburg’s DORA include: Bru Burger, Rush Off Main, Noble Romans, Tempest Coffee, Thai District Restaurant, Greek’s Pizzeria, Ash & Elm Cider, Brownsburg Books & Brews, Indy Beer Tap, and Let’s Wine Down.
Bru Burger, Rush Off Main, Noble Romans, Tempest Coffee, Thai District Restaurant, and Greek’s Pizzeria hold designated permits, allowing them to sell DORA beverages from their establishments.
Ash & Elm Cider, Brownsburg Books & Brews, Indy Beer Tap, and Let’s Wine Down hold temporary permits that allow them to participate as vendors in designated DORA vendor areas during select special events.
8. Residents and local businesses can learn more about the downtown Brownsburg DORA online.
If you’re a vendor who wants to learn more about becoming a DORA participant, or if you’re a patron who has questions about the rules and guidelines associated with DORA. The Town of Brownsburg has a website containing FAQs (for businesses and guests), examples of the DORA signage so you know what to expect, a map of the official DORA boundaries, and more. Visit the site at brownsburg.org/DORA.
9. The DORA is designed to support a vibrant Downtown Brownsburg.
The DORA will help create a vibrant downtown experience and support local businesses. By allowing patrons to enjoy beverages while exploring the DORA, the program can encourage visitors to spend more time downtown, visit local restaurants and bars, shop at participating retailers, and attend community events.
“This will help support our local business community and continue economic development in downtown Brownsburg,” said Greater Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce Director Kiley Chandler.
The goal is to create a more walkable, welcoming downtown where residents and visitors can eat, shop, gather, and enjoy everything Brownsburg has to offer.
10. The Downtown DORA will become later this fall!
The DORA will officially launch in the fall, just in time for multiple downtown Brownsburg events and activities. Once the DORA is open, patrons can purchase a DORA beverage from an approved participant, enjoy it within the designated DORA boundaries, and explore downtown Brownsburg while listening enjoying events like live music and local markets at Arbuckle Acres Park and Town Hall Green.
