The new Noblesville Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) officially became operational on September 6 during the city’s Main Street First Friday event.
The DORA is located in the central business district of downtown Noblesville, extends across the White River into Federal Hill Commons, and is the first of its kind in Hamilton County.
The DORA allows visitors 21 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from designated restaurants or vendors, which can then be enjoyed as they move through the approved area. “Those wishing to participate have the opportunity to grab a drink at one of our incredible restaurants and bars and leave with the drink as they shop, attend an event, or simply stroll downtown and enjoy being outside in our unmatched and authentic downtown,” says Aaron Head, community engagement manager for the City of Noblesville.
Head expects the DORA will provide numerous benefits for local businesses and the surrounding city, creating a more vibrant social space. “The City of Noblesville takes great pride in creating new opportunities in support of our small businesses,” he says. “The benefits of establishing a DORA include increasing overall foot traffic, tourism from outside the Noblesville area, additional spending on shops and restaurants, and an overall promotion of economic vitality.” Businesses located outside of the DORA are encouraged to apply for vendor status to take advantage of those same benefits.
Participating businesses are marked with signage indicating where beverages are sold and welcome, while nonparticipating businesses will display signs indicating beverages should not be brought on the premises.
All beverages must be purchased from within the DORA limits and will be sold in designated, one-time-use cups. Customers may leave an establishment with no more than two open alcoholic beverages. Because Hamilton County does not allow alcohol on the property, customers are asked not to bring beverages into the historic courthouse, judicial center, or county parking garage properties.
Participating businesses include popular spots such as The Nesst, Primeval Brewing, Grindstone Public House, 9th Street Bistro and Bica Café, among others. Visitors can also expect the DORA to host other special events throughout the year, which have yet to be determined. “We anticipate that many restaurants and merchants will partner on activations, promotions and events that utilize the advantages of a DORA district, allowing visitors to sip, shop and stroll as they enjoy our downtown,” says Head.
Parking is readily available in all directions, giving customers easy access to the area. Options include street parking, surface lots and garages within one block of the DORA.
The DORA will operate year-round from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For any questions about the DORA, visit noblesville.in.gov/topic/index.php?topicid=671&structureid=19 or contact Head at ahead@noblesville.in.gov.
