Evansville council supports proposal to allow patrons to carry drinks out of Downtown bars

EVANSVILLE — Evansville's City Council unanimously approved the establishment of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) for Downtown Evansville on Monday evening, allowing visitors to carry drinks out of participating bars and restaurants.

The Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District filed the ordinance with the city to establish the DORA, which Indiana state law allows a city to create where which residents 21 years of age and older can purchase an alcoholic drink and carry them out of the establishment to drink within boundaries.

The ordinance, map and other documentation is now required to go before the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for approval. Adam Trinkel, executive director of Downtown Evansville, said the organization hopes to have the DORA up and running for spring.

Under state law, the city could have up to seven DORAs.

When would the DORA be open?

The ordinance states the DORA would be open seven days a week, every day of the year.

It would operate from 4:30 to 10 p.m. on weeknights, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. This would only change during the months of June and July when operating hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all week.

Will patrons carry their bar glass out onto the street?

Each of the participating businesses would be required to purchase special cups from the Downtown Economic Improvement District for use in the DORA.

The plastic cups will have the DORA logo on them.