Culver Town Council to consider DORA Ordinance at special meeting Tuesday

The Culver Town Council will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, July 28th, at 6 p.m. at Culver Town Hall to consider an ordinance that would establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, commonly known as a DORA, in the town.

A DORA allows adults age 21 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved local establishments and carry them in specially designated cups within a defined outdoor zone. Authorized under Indiana state law beginning July 1, 2023, DORAs have become an increasingly popular tool for communities looking to boost downtown foot traffic and support local businesses. More than 50 Indiana communities have established DORAs to date, including Rochester, Mishawaka, Elkhart, and Goshen. Closer to home, the Town of Bremen passed its own DORA ordinance earlier this month and is currently awaiting permit authorization from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.

To establish a DORA, a municipal legislative body must adopt an ordinance that includes a detailed map identifying the boundaries of the refreshment area, the location of approved retail permittees and any temporary vendors within the zone, a statement confirming the refreshment area is consistent with the municipality's zoning ordinance, and specifications for the number, spacing, and type of required signage. Hours and dates of operation must also comply with Indiana Code 7.1-3-1-14.

Tuesday's Special Meeting of the Culver Town Council is open to the public and will be streamed live on the town's YouTube channel.