TIPTON, Ind — Another central Indiana community has added a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.
The City of Tipton announced Wednesday the creation of a DORA, which will allow residents and visitors to drink alcoholic beverages outside and in specific businesses in the city.
The Tipton City Common Council approved the establishment of the DORA in September, and it was since approved by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. In a statement, the city said the goal of the DORA is "to enhance the downtown experience and support local businesses."
"By encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore, we aim to increase the time and money spent in our local shops and restaurants, fostering a more vibrant community for both residents and guests," Mayor Kegan Schmicker said. "This initiative aligns with our commitment to supporting local businesses and creating a welcoming, dynamic atmosphere in downtown Tipton.”
The DORA allows people 21 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved businesses in the boundaries and carry them outside to be consumed within those boundaries.
The City of Tipton shared this map of the DORA, along with these additional details and restrictions:
- Operating Hours: The DORA will be active seven days a week, from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Special event organizers can request amended DORA hours for specific occasions.
- Effective Date: The DORA will come into effect on Dec. 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
- Participating Businesses: Participating establishments include: Urban Homestead, Wheelies, The Shack, TI-ON Lounge, The Elks Lodge #1012, The Mad Tap and The Greenhouse. Additional businesses within the district can apply to become designated permittees through the City of Tipton.
- Additional Permittees: Additional businesses within the district can apply to become designated permittees through the City of Tipton by submitting a designated permittee application to the Mayor's Office. It then must be approved by the City Common Council and the Indiana ATC.
- Vendor Participation: Temporary vendors can participate during special events by applying for a Special Event Permit. Approved vendors will be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages in designated vendor areas within the DORA.
- Beverage Limits: Patrons may carry up to two open containers of alcoholic beverages at a time. The containers must be in designated DORA cups, with restrictions on size—beer and flavored malt beverages (16 oz), wine/cider/hard seltzer (12 oz), and mixed drinks (10 oz, with no more than 2 oz of liquor).
- Safety and Enforcement: The City of Tipton Police Department will monitor the DORA to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Businesses within the area maintain the right to restrict or prohibit alcohol on their premises.
- No Glass Containers: For safety, glass containers will only be allowed in designated outdoor dining areas and cannot be carried into the DORA’s open spaces.
- Branding and Signage: The City of Tipton has established a unique brand for the DORA, with consistent signage and specially marked DORA cups. Visitors will see clear boundary markers and signage to guide them through the area. Signage attached at the end of this release.
- Community-Driven Initiative: The DORA was developed with input from local businesses and residents, and it is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area and promote a vibrant social scene.