(Batesville, IN) – Batesville City Council approved an ordinance on Monday night to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) downtown.
The Main Street DORA will allow those who purchase alcoholic beverages to leave an establishment and have open containers within a designated area.
The Indiana legislature signed off on a new law last year that allows for the establishment and adoption of DORAs in specific places within a municipality, pending approval from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC).
Depending on when the ATC gives the thumbs up, the DORA could begin operating this summer.
Batesville Main Street Director Amy Pretzer and Main Street board member Amanda Garcia made the presentation to council.
Pretzer says patrons visiting the Main Street DORA will be permitted to purchase alcoholic beverages at their favorite bar or restaurant and leave the premises so long as their drinks are in a DORA-labeled cup.
She adds the DORA can provide an economic boost and be a tourism draw for the city.
Plans call for the Main Street DORA to operate from Noon to Midnight, seven days a week.
Council held the first reading on the ordinance, suspended the rules and unanimously approved the plan on second reading.
