The DORA District
Terre Haute introduced a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in 2025 for its downtown and Brewery District areas, enhancing the city’s entertainment and dining experience. The DORA District allows visitors to enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from participating establishments while exploring select outdoor areas. This initiative aims to boost foot traffic, support local businesses, and foster a lively, walkable downtown atmosphere. With clearly marked boundaries, designated cups, and convenient hours, the DORA district offers a safe and enjoyable way to experience Terre Haute’s downtown charm. It’s yet another step in celebrating the city’s unique blend of culture, community, and hospitality.
What is a DORA?
A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows guests aged 21 and older to buy alcoholic beverages from authorized businesses and enjoy them outdoors within the DORA's boundaries. Drinks can be carried throughout the designated area while relaxing outside, attending downtown events, or shopping at participating retailers that permit DORA beverages inside.
Benefits of a DORA
- Attract more visitors to downtown
- Create a new revenue stream for restaurants and bars
- Increase sales for retailers within the DORA boundaries
- Strengthen the local economy through higher food and beverage tax revenue
- Simplify the process for organizations hosting downtown events within the DORA
Downtown Terre Haute DORA (Location #1)
The DORA begins at the east corner of the right-of-way boundary at the intersection of Wabash Avenue and South 4th Street, continues east to the west corner of Wabash Avenue and North 9th Street; the south corner of Cherry Street and 6th Street and continues south to the intersection of Ohio Street and South 6th Street; and the intersection of Cherry Street and 7th Street to the intersection at 7th Street and Walnut Street.
Downtown Terre Haute Brewing District DORA (Location #2)
The Brewing District DORA begins at the intersection of Crawford Street and South 9th Street to the intersection at South 9th Street and Popular Street; continues from the intersection at South 9th Street and extends to the intersection at Popular Street and South 10 1/2 Street.
Frequently Asked Questions for Patrons
Where can I get a DORA beverage?
Designated permittees include the following:
- Bar Botics
- Ladybird Cafe
- The Verve + Scout's Pizzeria
- Saratoga Restaurant
- J. Gumbo's
- The Terminal Public House
- Terre Haute Brewing Company
When is the DORA in effect?
Sunday from 5 pm to 12 am, Thursday - Friday from 5 pm to 12 am, Saturday from 11 am to 12 am.
Can people enter or leave businesses with alcoholic beverages?
A Designated Permittee or Vendor may allow a person to exit their premises into the DORA with an alcoholic beverage.
What alcoholic drinks can I get in a DORA cup?
- Beer or flavored malt beverages: up to 16 ounces
- Wine, cider, or premixed cocktail: up to 12 ounces
- Liquor or a liquor-based cocktail: up to 10 ounces, including up to 2 ounces of liquor
Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses
Do I need to post a sign in my business?
Retailer permittees require signage indicating they are a DORA participant, and whether or not they allow DORA open containers of alcohol from other participating locations. Non-participating businesses will have the option to place a sign indicating whether DORA open containers are allowed in their establishment. Examples below:
INSERT BEAUTIFUL SIGNS HERE
Can people enter or leave businesses with alcoholic beverages?
A Designated Permittee or Vendor may allow patrons to exit their premises into the DORA boundary with no more than 2 alcoholic beverages. Patrons may enter businesses with DORA open containers if their signage specifies that DORA beverages are welcome.
What are the limits of the beverages?
- Beer or flavored malt beverages: up to 16 ounces
- Wine, cider, or premixed cocktail: up to 12 ounces
- Liquor or a liquor-based cocktail: up to 10 ounces, including up to 2 ounces of liquor
- No more than 2 open alcoholic beverages. Designated Permittees and Vendors have the right to determine if they would like to only provide 1 or 2 beverages at a time in a DORA cup.
Can a business in a DORA refuse to allow alcoholic beverages onto their property?
A business within a DORA has the right to deny entry to individuals carrying alcoholic beverages.
Is there a fee associated with being a permittee in the DORA?
There is no cost from the City of Terre Haute to be a permittee in the DORA. Designated Permittees and Vendors will be responsible for purchasing their DORA specific cups or stickers.
Are businesses located outside of the DORA allowed to cater inside the DORA and provide alcohol as a regular Designated Permittee?
A business outside of the DORA may apply to be a vendor and be located within a "vendor location" area during a scheduled event.
How can a business opt-in?
You must fill out and file State Form 57288. Both the Mayor of Terre Haute and the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) must approve of a Designated Permittee. Once approved, reach out to the Director of Downtown Terre Haute at the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce to receive appropriate signage for your business.
How do I get appropriate signage for my business even though I'm not a Designated Permittee?
Reach out to the Director of Downtown Terre Haute at the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce to receive appropriate signage for your business.
