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ATC licenses and DORA

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DORA

What is a DORA?

A DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) allows individuals 21 years of age and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved licensed establishments. The beverages served in designated DORA cups can be carried outside and consumed within the DORA boundaries.

Why a DORA for Carmel?

Carmel has a vibrant central core with many entertainment restaurants, public walkways, squares, and green spaces, which support more than 100 public events and festivals every year. The City wishes to support the core’s vitality and believes that the DORA supports this desired economic growth of Carmel’s central core.

DORA Ordinance

The DORA is comprised of an area identified in the map below. A more detailed description of the boundaries can be found in the ordinance.

 DORA - Map-Only_2025

 

 

DORA Hours of Operation

Monday through Thursday: 5-10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DORA Rules – The Basics

  • During the hours of operation, any open alcoholic beverages purchased from designated establishments within the DORA must remain within the DORA.

  • To-go orders of alcoholic beverages must be offered to guests in designated DORA cups (pictured). No glass containers or other non-DORA containers may be used for to-go orders of alcoholic beverages

DORA Cup

 

  • Participating and approved establishments may provide no more than two open alcoholic beverages to a guest exiting their premises into the DORA

  • If you do not hold a DORA permit, you may not serve to-go alcoholic beverages in the DORA container

  • Carryout privileges held by a designated establishment approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission are not impacted by this ordinance

  • In the event of unsafe or other concerning behavior on the part of a patron, a designated permittee may deny entry to individuals with alcoholic beverages purchased outside of the establishment, including beverages in DORA cups

  • Participating DORA establishments will have signage visibly displayed in the window of their business. Just look for these images.

 DORA - Window Signage_2025_Welcome Here_FINAL-01

DORA refreshments are welcome here
    

 DORA - Window Signage_2025_Sold Here_FINAL

DORA refreshments are sold here
    

 DORA - Window Signage_2025_Not Permitted_FINAL

DORA refreshments are not permitted here

 

Our current list of designated DORA Permittees

The following locations submitted applications and were approved by the City of Carmel to participate as "Designated Permittees.”

  • 101 Craft Kitchen, 1200 S. Range Line Rd. Ste. 101

  • 1933 Lounge by St. Elmo, 175 S. Range Line Rd, Suite 100

  • Anthony’s Chophouse and 3UP, 201 W. Main St.

  • Bazbeaux, 111 W. Main St., #155

  • Bub's Burgers, 210 W. Main St.

  • BuffaLouie's, 43 W. Main St.

  • Fork and Ale House, 350 Veterans Way #150

  • Hotel Carmichael, 1 Carmichael Square

  • Hanami Sushi and Sake Bar, 703 Veterans Way

  • Josephine, 110 W. Main St., Unit 100

  • Lone Pine, 710 S. Rangeline Rd.

  • Monterey Coastal Cuisine, 110 W. Main St., #135

  • Muldoon’s, 111 W. Main St. #100

  • Peace Water Winery, 37 W. Main St.

  • Penn & Beech Candle Co., 145 Elm St. Suite 150

  • Savor Restaurant, 211 W. Main St., #102

  • Social Cantina Carmel, 350 Monon Blvd., Suite 10

  • SunKing, 351 Monon Blvd.

  • The Cake Bake Shop, Upper Deck, 799 Hanover Pl., Suite 260

  • The Garden Table, 350 Monon Blvd.

  • The GOAT, 220 2nd St SW

  • Wine and Rind, 254 Veterans Way, Suite G

 

If you are interested in becoming a DORA-designated permittee, please read below:

  • You must first visit the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission website at this link to obtain a permit.

  • Requests for local agency – City of Carmel – approval should be sent to Shela Much SMuch@carmel.in.gov  

Additionally, an entity may apply to the relevant Indiana State Police (Excise) district office for a temporary beer and wine permit for operation as a Vendor within the DORA. For more details, including how to complete the Vendor Form, visit this link.

 

DORA-branded items

If you are a Designated Permittee, you will receive one complimentary case of 600 DORA cups from the City of Carmel. Purchase of additional cups is the responsibility of the permittee.

All inquiries, requests for additional signs or stickers, and any other questions related to the DORA should be directed to Shela Much SMuch@carmel.in.gov  

DORA items can be picked up at the following locations:

  • City Hall reception desk - Carmel City Hall, 1 Civic Square, Carmel, Ind. 46032

  • City of Carmel, Carmel Small Business Network quarterly meetings | Dates: 8.12.25, 9.17.25, 10.21.25, 11.18.25

  • City of Carmel Merchant Meetings | Dates: TBD

  • OneZone Chamber of Commerce, 11313 USA Pkwy., Suite B106, Fishers, Ind. 46037

 

 

DORA Frequently Asked Questions 

What type of cups are designated permittees allowed to use as part of DORA?
What are the legal fill limits for DORA beverages?
May I bring my non-DORA purchased drink into the DORA?
How do you apply to be a Designated Permittee?
How will people know the DORA boundaries?
Additional Guidelines
DORA Hours of Operation
I am a temporary DORA vendor, what do I need to do?

Download DORA Guidelines for Permittees

 

 

River District Liquor Licenses 

Any business within a riverfront district may apply for an alcohol permit through the state’s Alcohol & Tobacco Commission regardless of how many others are issued in Carmel.

City officials hope the riverfront districts will boost economic development in all of Carmel, as some of the city’s set number of permits could be used in areas not in a riverfront district.

The River District Ordinance is linked here for more information.

 

River Districts