Muncie launches three new DORA districts
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The city of Muncie has launched three districts where adults 21 and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages while milling about among restaurants, stores, galleries and event venues.
Classified as a designated outdoor refreshment area, or DORA, each zone launched Monday following an earlier approval by the city council, according to a news release from the city.
“This is about enhancing the vibrancy of Muncie’s cultural and entertainment hubs while supporting our local businesses,” Mayor Dan Ridenour said in the release. “We thank the City Council for approving the ordinance, and we are proud of the hard work our administration has done to make sure each DORA is safe, functional, and enjoyable for everyone.”
The three DORA zones:
- The Downtown Muncie DORA is centered around Walnut Street and Canan Commons and includes many of the city’s restaurants, bars, galleries and event venues.
- The McKinley DORA is in the revitalized corridor west of downtown between Memorial Drive and McGalliard Road and includes dining and retail.
- The Ball State University Village DORA surrounds the commercial area near the university.
Each DORA will operate seven days a week between 12 p.m. and 12 a.m. unless otherwise restricted. Participating businesses will display a DORA window sign.
Indiana now has more than two dozen designated outdoor refreshment areas following the 2023 law that allowed communities to create one. The zones allow patrons to walk freely with a beer, wine or cocktail in clearly defined outdoor spaces as they visit shops, restaurants and other attractions.
The law is viewed as a means to simplify regulatory hurdles for alcohol vendors during outdoor events but also as a way to boost foot traffic to local shops and other businesses.
Evansville launched a downtown DORA on Friday, Inside INdiana Business reported.