Lawrenceburg City Council Ok's Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area

Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 12:09 PM

A DORA is a specified area that allows patrons 21 and over to purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages in a designated cup.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Visitors (21 & over) to downtown Lawrenceburg will soon be able to purchase an alcoholic beverage and walk freely around a designated area.

Lawrenceburg City Council voted on August 7 to adopt a resolution to create a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).

At the Post Legislative Luncheon in May, State Senator Chip Perfect (R-Lawrenceburg) mentioned Senate Bill 27, which allows a city or town to designate an outdoor location as a refreshment area with the approval of the alcohol and tobacco commission.

A DORA is a specified area that allows patrons 21 and over to purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages in a designated cup while walking in the outlined area.

Lawrenceburg’s DORA captures all of the current retail that sell alcohol, from River Watch to The Captain’s Tavern to Proof 124 Table & Tavern and Hoosier Icehouse. City attorney Del Weldon says the DORA can be changed or the city can have more than one designated area, leaving way for future businesses to be included. One example would be the Liberty Theatre.

The DORA will eliminate the need for fencing that is found at parklets throughout downtown. The area is also not just limited to retailers that sell alcohol. Patrons can purchase a beverage and take it to another retailer in the DORA area, such as the Hummingbird Boutique.

Once the DORA is in effect, there will be no more beer garden at events. Individuals will also be prohibited from bringing outside alcohol into the DORA. Organizations such as the Eagles or the American Legion will have the opportunity to sell at events such as Lawrenceburg Fall Music Fest by obtaining a one-time or temporary license.

DORA patrons will be given designated plastic cups at official DORA retailers. A maximum of two beverages per person can be sold at one time.

A DORA opening date was not announced, as planning is still in the works with local retailers, law enforcement, and sanitation.