Columbus is trying out a new alcoholic beverage outdoor area downtown this week after receiving state approval.
The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, allows customers of age to buy alcoholic beverages from approved vendors and carry them outside within boundaries.
Mayor Mary Ferdon said the city Board of Works approved a temporary permit Tuesday.
“We worked through the process making sure that all the stakeholders are involved, understanding what it means, you have to have special cups made which designate the DORA area so that you can’t have people bringing in alcohol from the exterior area.”
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The first one in Columbus will be Thursday night on Sixth Street. The new legislation from 2023 is meant to boost tourism and economic growth.
Terre Haute also received DORA approval from the state last year and Bloomington is looking into one for Switchyard Park.
