The Town of Fortville has officially joined a growing number of Indiana communities in adopting a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). Following a unanimous vote by the Fortville Town Council in December 2024, and final approval by the Indiana State Alcohol and Tobacco Commission on July 1, 2025, the Fortville DORA is now in effect — bringing new energy and economic opportunity to the heart of downtown.
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.
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
FAQ
FAQ- Will businesses be required to post a sign to help notify customers of their DORA participation?
- Fortville 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.
- 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
- The open container contents may not exceed:
- 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.
Any business within the boundaries of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area who would like to participate may complete the DORA Application and submit it to the Town of Fortville’s Community Outreach contact, Andy Williams, awilliams@fortville.in.gov, for Town Council approval.
