Two communities in Kosciusko County now have Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs) approved by the state’s Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
Winona Lake had theirs approved Feb. 23, with the city of Warsaw receiving approval for its downtown DORA on Monday.
In July 2023, the state passed the legislation for Indiana communities to create DORAs. A municipality can create up to seven areas within its jurisdiction allowing citizens to purchase alcohol at designated establishments and consume the beverage anywhere within the DORA boundaries.
Winona Lake approved an ordinance creating a DORA on Dec. 19. The Warsaw Common Council approved an ordinance on second reading on March 4.
Warsaw City Planner Justin Taylor said he received an email Monday evening saying the city’s DORA had been approved.
“As part of the requirements for the state, we have to have the signage up in order to do it, so we’re waiting until we get the signs up, but in theory we could start as soon as we get those signs up. We’re hoping, maybe by the end of next week we might be able to ... do like a soft roll out,” he said.
The establishments that asked to be a part of the DORA already have it added to their alcohol permits, he said. “So that’s online. They’re going to get a mailed copy, but they’re allowed to do it since it’s been added to their alcohol permits,” Taylor said.
Currently, there’s nine businesses that are part of the DORA, though more could be added, he said. Those nine include The Downtown, RP Watters Corp. (Rex’s Rendezvous), Mad Anthony Lake City Taphouse, JST Solutions (One Ten Craft Meatery), two Saint Regis Club establishments, B + B Courthouse Market, Rocksteady Pizza Parlour and La Troje.
“This enables people who buy a beverage at an establishment, that’s been approved, to take that beverage outside if it’s in an approved cup. So the Chamber has had cups printed that have the rules and the map on it that shows you the boundaries, and then we’ll also have the signs up. So anywhere within those boundaries, you’ll be able to walk around downtown and experience the downtown with your beverage,” Taylor said.
Rob Parker, Main Street Warsaw executive director and Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said, “Main Street Warsaw is excited to implement DORA in downtown Warsaw. This will encourage additional revenue coming into our community because it cultivates togetherness, vibrancy, culture and a sense of belonging. It will also allow individuals to roam more freely and enhance their experience at downtown events.”
Businesses can prohibit alcohol from entering their establishment or allow patrons with a beverage to enter. Taylor said that’s up to each individual business owner.
“They’ll have a sign on their door, so we ask that anyone who has a DORA cup that’s drinking a beverage be respectful and look for those signs to make sure they’re doing what the business owner wants you to be able to do with your beverage,” he said.
Community expectations are that people would be responsible with their cups and put them in the trash receptacles when they’re done with them.
“We also want people to understand that it is a crime to give someone that is underage an alcoholic beverage, so people could potentially face consequences, jail time if they were caught giving an alcoholic beverage to somebody who is under age. Also, the minor could get in trouble as well,” Taylor said as a reminder.
The laws regarding underage drinking and contributing to the delinquency of a minor haven’t changed.
Warsaw’s DORA was approved in time for the Fat + Skinny Tire Fest, which is May 17-19. Events downtown Warsaw are May 17 specifically, including a BMX stunt show, criterium races and other activities.
“That’s what we were hoping,” Taylor said. “When we started this process, we were really hoping that we would get approved for Fat + Skinny, and that’s what has happened, so right now we just have to get the signs up and start rolling out with the businesses that are approved, and so we are really excited about the impact that will have on the Fat + Skinny Tire Fest, because no longer will the adults be confined to a small enclosed area. They will be able to roam around downtown to experience the festival without having to be confined in that little area.”
He said the DORA could encourage people to just experience downtown Warsaw more.
Jason Brown said two of the businesses he owns or co-owns will be a part of the downtown Warsaw DORA - One Ten Craft Meatery and Rocksteady Pizza Parlour. Eventually, when B + B Courthouse Market obtains its liquor license, it also will participate in the DORA.
“I think the biggest benefit is just community engagement. I think the largest benefit that the DORA is going to give us is going to be our large format-style events. So if you think like St. Paddy’s Day, Fat + Skinny, 50 Men Who Cook and any of those extremely larger formats that we’re trying to accomplish, I think that’s where we will see the major benefit,” Brown said. “I don’t necessarily think that the DORA’s going to change a Friday or Saturday night for downtown Warsaw drastically. It may in some capacity, just from being able and willing to participate in multiple venues throughout the evening. But, I think when you get to those large formats, it’ll just be a much more community-based experience for the guest.”