Soaking up the sunshine or catching up with friends just got a little bit easier after Hamilton County became the only county in the state to activate three DORAs—in Carmel, Noblesville, and Westfield. Now, you can sip responsibly while enjoying the beautiful scenery and vibrant community Hamilton County has to offer. Keep reading to know before you go on your DORA adventure!

  1. What is a DORA?
  2. How will I know which businesses are participating in DORA?
  3. When are the DORA hours of operation?
  4. Where are the DORA boundaries where I can consume my beverage?
  5. Which businesses are participating, or are “Designated Permittees,” in DORA?
  6. Can I consume my own alcoholic beverage, but within the DORA boundaries?

What is a DORA?

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DORA stands for “Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area,” a zone that allows adults 21 years and older to consume alcoholic beverages purchased from approved business within the DORA boundaries.

How will I know which businesses are participating in DORA?

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Approved businesses will be required to post signs indicating they are participating in DORA. Non-participating businesses will have the option to post signs.

 

These color-coded DORA signs make it easy to spot and understand:

  • Blue: “Sold Here” means the business sells alcoholic beverages that can be consumed on-site or enjoyed outdoors within DORA boundaries.
  • Green: “Beverages Welcome” means the business doesn’t sell alcoholic beverages, but you’re welcomed to consume your DORA-approved drink on their premises.
  • Red/orange/maroon: “No Beverages” means no drinks are sold or allowed on the business premises.

 

An easy way to remember: if there’s a DORA sign, you’re all fine!

When are the DORA hours of operation?

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Carmel Hours

Monday-Thursday from 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

Noblesville and Westfield Hours

Monday-Thursday from 12-10 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Where are the DORA boundaries where I can consume my beverage?

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Carmel Boundries

The boundaries are north of 1st Street NW to Carmel Drive and from west of the Monon Greenway to east of the S. Range Line Road.

 

NoblesvilleBoundries

The boundaries are north of Forest Park Drive to Maple Avenue and from west of Nixon Street to 10th Street.

 

Westfield Boundries

The boundaries are north of Penn Street to Union Street and from west of Maple Street to Gurley Street.

Which businesses are participating, or are “Designated Permittees,” in DORA?

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Check the list below to see which local spots are pouring and/or allow patrons to bring their drink into their premises!

 

Carmel Business

 

Noblesville Businesses

 

Westfield Businesses

Can I consume my own alcoholic beverage, but within the DORA boundaries?

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BYOB—bringing your own drinks—is not allowed. This also includes purchasing from a non-DORA participating business. If you would like to consume an alcoholic beverage within DORA boundaries, then the beverage must be purchased from a DORA participating business. Participating businesses and guests are required to use designated plastic cups with the DORA logo printed on it. The cups signal that your drink was purchased from a participating business.