What is a DORA?
DORA stands for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area


A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows patrons 21 years and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved alcoholic beverage permittees within the DORA and carry them outside to be consumed within the DORA’s boundaries. Patrons may only purchase alcoholic beverages through establishments licensed through the Alcohol & Tobacco Commission, and the alcoholic beverage must be consumed from a designated DORA cup sold from the participating approved permittee within the DORA boundaries.

The City of Muncie approved the creation of 3 DORA locations 

Downtown Muncie
Ball State University Village 
McKinley District

Click on the links below to learn more

Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission website

Muncie City DORA Ordinance

FAQs

  • What are the boundaries of the Muncie DORA?

    • Please refer to the map above.
  • What are the hours that the Muncie DORA is in effect?

    • Seven days a week from noon to midnight (12pm-12am)
  • Can I walk anywhere with my DORA beverage/cup?

    • No, as outlined on the map, you must remain within the DORA District where you received the beverage. See Muncie DORA boundaries.
  • Can patrons enter or leave my business with alcoholic beverages?

    • An approved alcoholic beverage permittee (i.e., a designated permittee or vendor) may allow patrons to exit their premises back into the DORA boundaries with no more than two (2) open alcoholic beverages.
  • What alcoholic beverages can I purchase with my DORA cup?

    • You may purchase beer, wine, and liquor, subject to the DORA beverage offerings of each approved alcoholic beverage permittee.
  • Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage, pour it into a DORA cup, and walk around in the DORA?

    • No, only beverages purchased from approved alcoholic beverage permittees participating in DORA that were initially sold and poured into the DORA cup are allowed.
  • Can beverages be purchased from an alcoholic beverage permittee outside the DORA boundaries and then brought into the DORA boundaries for consumption?

    • No, a patron may not legally consume an alcoholic beverage purchased outside of the DORA boundaries by an unapproved alcoholic beverage permittee in public areas of the DORA boundaries.
  • Can businesses within the Muncie DORA boundaries refuse to allow alcoholic beverages onto their property?

    • Yes, businesses located within the Muncie DORA boundaries may, on a nondiscriminatory basis, refuse to allow patrons to enter their premises or business with an alcoholic beverage.

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  • Can approved alcoholic beverage permittees serve on patios without limited separations?

    • For approved alcoholic beverage permittees (i.e., a designated permittee or vendor) patios located in a DORA, it is not required that the patio’s perimeter be enclosed by fencing or other means.
  • Is there any cost or fee to be an approved alcoholic beverage permittee (i.e., a designated permittee or vendor) in the Muncie DORA?

    • The City of Muncie does not charge at this time.  Approved alcoholic beverage permittees must purchase their own DORA cups through an approved Local Vendor designated by the city.
  • How would a new alcoholic beverage permittee apply to be an approved DORA participating location?

    • Alcoholic beverage permittees within the DORA may apply to be included by filling out the

State Form 57288  https://www.in.gov/atc/files/57288-fill-in.pdf

 

  • I have a food truck and want to sell alcohol during an event or concert in the DORA. What do I do?
      • In addition to your regular ATC Alcoholic beverage permit you will also complete the form below and submit to the city for a signature prior to submitting to the ATC.  You must also purchase your cups from the City of Muncie. 

      State Form 57288  https://www.in.gov/atc/files/57288-fill-in.pdf

  • Who is the City of Muncie primary point of contact for DORA processes, questions, etc.?
    • Mayor’s Office 765-747-4853

  • How do I order DORA cup for my business ?
      • Ordinance Approved vendors and Temp. Vendors that have submitted all documentation to the City of Muncie my order cups through approved local vendor.
      • Link available after 6/18/25

 

Note: All State of Indiana and City of Muncie laws regarding underage drinking, public intoxication, impaired driving, and open containers apply to areas both inside and outside of the Muncie DORA boundaries. Please drink responsibly.