People may drink outdoors in public downtown under new ordinance

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Kokomoans wanting to get their drink on outdoors in public can rejoice. The city says that’s okay, as long as it happens downtown. Starting Oct. 25, a DORA – Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area – will take effect.

According to a release from the city, residents and visitors will be able to purchase adult beverages from approved businesses and enjoy them within the boundaries of the DORA. The program aims to enhance downtown’s vibrancy, supporting local businesses and promoting a social, pedestrian-friendly environment. The DORA will operate year-round from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

“The launch of the DORA is an exciting step for Kokomo and our downtown businesses,” said Mayor Tyler Moore. “This initiative will create a more dynamic downtown experience, attracting residents and visitors to support our local businesses and enjoy our events.

“By allowing people to explore our community while enjoying a beverage responsibly, we’re fostering a vibrant, social atmosphere that will boost the local economy and enhance the spirit of our city.”

A few weeks before the DORA was scheduled to go live, the city held an informational session for downtown businesses. The participating bars and surrounding businesses were supplied with DORA signs, and Dave Trine, operations coordinator for the city, fielded questions from them.

Trine pointed out that a large number of cities and towns in Indiana already have a DORA in place, from the town of Kirkland to the city of Indianapolis. The City of Kokomo has been approved to establish as many as five DORAs throughout the community. However, the downtown area is the only DORA being activated at this time.

"Hypothetically, if there was a place on the west side or Markland and Main or someplace like that, we have the ability to expand the program," said Trine.

The new ordinance allows patrons of bars within the DORA to carry alcohol in cups outside of the bar in public. The cups will be provided by the bars and will have the DORA logo printed on them.

Patrons may have as many as two cups of alcohol on their person: up to 16 ounces of beer, 12 ounces of wine, or 10 ounces of a mixed drink per cup. Patrons may not leave the DORA with the cups, nor may they bring alcohol into the DORA.

The DORA is supposed to be clearly marked at its borders, either with banners on light poles or large sidewalk decals. The signs should include a QR code that leads patrons to a map of the DORA. That QR code also will appear on the DORA cups.

Additionally, businesses within the DORA have signs for display which will indicate whether alcohol is allowed in their establishments. However, Trine explained that the law is not clear concerning non-participating businesses having to display the sign.

"If you're okay with somebody coming in, you have to have that green sign," said Trine. "What's not so clear is, whether you don't want it, you also have to have that sign up. I think our ordinance is a little gray. I think the state law on that's a little gray."

Regardless, the city will provide signs to any business requesting them.

The bar owners in attendance at the informational meeting expressed that they are unwilling to allow patrons to enter their bars with DORA cups filled with alcohol from a different establishment. Patrons will need to dispose of their cup and obtain a new one when visiting another bar.

Disposal is an issue not yet addressed by the city. According to Trine, state law requires cities to fulfill nine requirements to have a DORA. One of them is proper sanitation. Currently, there are just six decorative trash receptacles within the DORA, along with a couple bins at the parking garages.

"We're in the process of adding additional trash bins within the DORA," Trine said, claiming they would be in place by Oct. 25.

The law also requires active police patrols within the DORA during all hours of operation. Currently, the DORA is set to be open from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m., seven days a week. Trine gave no indication whether a plan is in place to meet that requirement.

Susan Alexander, Greater Kokomo Downtown Association Facilitator, was enthused about the arrival of the DORA and suggested that events be built around the new downtown feature.

“This is an exciting time for Kokomo, and an exciting program that the city has created for us to take advantage of,” said Alexander. “We need to talk about creating an event that is a monthly thing that takes advantage of this. Maybe it's a Third Thursday, or something like that; a vehicle to promote this program.”

Currently, eight businesses are approved to participate in the DORA program by serving alcohol: Cook McDoogal's Irish Pub, Cooper's Pub, The Coterie, Foxes Trail, The Hobson, Marble the Steakhouse, Oscar's Pizza, and Sun King Brewery.

For more information about the DORA, residents are encouraged to visit www.cityofkokomo.org.