GOSHEN, Ind. — The Downtown Goshen DORA launches Thursday, July 2, offering a new way to enjoy downtown while supporting local businesses.
The state-authorized program allows adults age 21 and older to purchase adult beverages from participating downtown businesses. Patrons may carry those beverages within the designated district during approved hours. The Goshen Common Council approved the ordinance May 19, 2026. The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission granted final approval June 23, 2026.
Indiana authorized Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas in 2023. More than 50 communities have since established DORAs. The programs support downtown businesses, community events and tourism. The Downtown Goshen DORA joins neighboring communities, including Elkhart and Mishawaka.
Enhancing downtown experiences
The Downtown Goshen DORA complements the city’s growing dining scene. It expands opportunities for events such as First Fridays. Visitors can enjoy a meal, shop downtown, listen to live music and explore local businesses within the designated district.
Indiana laws governing the purchase, possession and consumption of adult beverages remain in effect. Participating businesses must serve beverages in official DORA cups. Patrons must keep beverages within the marked DORA boundary. Patrons may not carry glass containers outside approved outdoor dining areas.
Patrons may purchase a DORA beverage from a participating business and enjoy it while exploring the district. However, DORA beverages MAY NOT be carried into another restaurant or drinking establishment. Individual retail businesses determine whether DORA beverages are permitted inside and may display DORA WELCOME or DORA NOT PERMITTED window decals to communicate their preference.
Businesses may request signage
Businesses within the Downtown Goshen DORA can request window signage by email [email protected]. Please indicate whether you would like a DORA WELCOME or DORA NOT PERMITTED decal for your business.
Downtown Goshen DORA at a glance
- Launch: Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Hours: Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, noon-11 p.m.
- Who may participate: Adults age 21 and older.
- How it works: Purchase a beverage from a participating business and enjoy it within the designated DORA boundary in an approved DORA cup.
- Boundary: The DORA includes much of downtown Goshen, including Powerhouse Park and portions of the Millrace corridor. Residential properties are excluded. An interactive boundary map is available HERE.
- Participating businesses: Look for official DORA SOLD HERE window decals.
- Learn more: Visit the City’s Downtown Goshen DORA webpage for the boundary map, participating businesses and complete program rules.
Safety and Sanitation
City staff will monitor the Downtown Goshen DORA throughout the year. Police officers will maintain a visible presence during operating hours. Buildings & Grounds and Public Works staff will maintain sanitation throughout the district and adjust trash collection as needed. The City may adjust operations during special events or periods of increased activity.
First Fridays is adding dedicated recycling stations throughout the July 3 event. Please recycle approved DORA cups and other recyclable materials in designated receptacles. Recycling helps keep downtown clean and supports Goshen’s sustainability efforts.
Downtown Goshen DORA FAQs
Is the Downtown Goshen DORA an open-container district?
No. Indiana law establishes and regulates the Downtown Goshen DORA.
Who can participate?
Adults age 21 and older may purchase adult beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them within the designated DORA boundary.
Can I carry my beverage anywhere downtown?
No. Keep your DORA beverage within the marked Downtown Goshen DORA boundary.
Can I take my DORA beverage into another restaurant or bar?
No. You may not carry a DORA beverage into another restaurant or drinking establishment.
May I bring my beverage into another retail business?
Maybe. Each business decides whether to allow DORA beverages inside.
Can I bring my own adult beverage into the DORA?
No. Purchase your beverage from a participating DORA business before enjoying it within the district.
Can I take a DORA beverage into my vehicle?
No. Do not take an open DORA beverage into a motor vehicle.
May I use any cup?
No. Participating vendors serve DORA beverages only in approved City-branded DORA cups.
Do businesses have to participate?
No. Businesses choose whether to participate and whether to allow DORA beverages inside their establishments.
The City encourages everyone to enjoy the Downtown Goshen DORA responsibly, support local businesses and help maintain a safe, welcoming downtown for residents, visitors and businesses alike.