On December 16, 2024, the Fortville Town Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2024-12A, establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). On July 1, 2025, the Indiana State Alcohol and Tobacco Commission approved the Fortville DORA.
What is a DORA
A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows patrons aged 21 and older to buy alcoholic beverages from approved businesses and consume them within the DORA’s boundaries. Beverages can be enjoyed outdoors, at downtown events, or while shopping at participating retailers. The DORA is in effect year-round, from January 1st to December 31st.
Why a DORA
Many cities and towns have already taken advantage of the Indiana legislation allowing them to establish a DORA. The town's goal is to facilitate a vibrant setting that promotes economic development and enhances the overall downtown Fortville experience.
Benefits of a DORA
- Boost Tourism in Downtown Fortville
- New Revenue Source for Restaurants and Bars
- Increased Revenue and Spending in Retailers within the DORA Boundaries
- Boost to Local Economy via Increase in Food and Beverage Tax Revenue
- Easier Process for Organizations Hosting Downtown Events in the DORA
FAQs
- Will businesses be required to post a sign to help notify customers of their DORA participation?
- We will require the posting of signs by retailer permittees participating in the DORA so that a person will know whether they can enter the business with an open container of alcohol. Non-participating business owners will have the option to place a sign indicating whether DORA refreshments are allowed.
- Which establishments are permitted to sell "to-go" alcoholic beverages?
- AJ’s Wine & Dine Garage
- American Legion – Post 391
- Bonsai
- Cortona’s Italian Cuisine & Wine
- Denver’s Garage Pizza & Brew
- Foxgardin Kitchen & Ale
- Kitchen on Main & Speakeasy
- Los Maguelles
- Taxman Fortville
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – Post 6905
- What "to-go" cups will the permittees use?
- Designated Permittees and Vendors shall only use the designated clear plastic cup with the DORA logo printed on it. The designated cup style and logo will be made available to all Designated Permittees and Vendors upon finalization to ensure uniformity. Glass containers are not permitted in the DORA.
- What contents are permitted in the "to-go" alcoholic beverages?
- The open container contents may not exceed:
- 16 ounces of beer or flavored malt beverages
- 12 ounces of wine, cider, or hard seltzer
- 10-ounce mixed drink containing no more than 2 ounces of liquor
- How many "to-go" alcoholic beverages are permitted to enter or leave a business?
- A Designated Permittee or a Vendor may allow a person to enter or exit their premises within the DORA with not more than two open alcoholic beverages.
- May I leave in a motorized vehicle with my "to-go" alcoholic beverages?
- Possessing an open container of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle in the DORA district boundary may constitute a Class C infraction under IC 9-30-15.
Fortville’s Town Council unanimously approved DORA Ordinance No. 2024-12A, linked below, on December 16th, 2024, and the Indiana State Alcohol and Tobacco Commission approved on July 1st, 2025. The Town of Fortville and the Fortville Police Department will partner to monitor and adjust police presence accordingly to ensure the safety of residents.
Any business within the boundaries of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area who would like to participate may complete the DORA Application, linked below. Completed applications may be submitted to the Town of Fortville’s Community Outreach contact, Andy Williams, [email protected], for Town Council approval.
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Designation Application - IN State Form 57288 (6-23)