Goshen Downtown DORA

What to know about Goshen’s DORA

Important Notice

Notice: The Goshen Common Council approved Ordinance 5255 establishing the Downtown Goshen Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) on May 18, 2026. The DORA remains subject to review and approval by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. All dates, operations, participating vendors and program details are contingent upon final state authorization.

The City of Goshen’s Downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, allows adults age 21 and older to purchase beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them while exploring within a defined downtown area. The program supports local businesses, enhances community events, and creates a safe, regulated environment for residents and visitors.

The Goshen Common Council approved the Downtown DORA on May 18, 2026, following months of outreach with downtown businesses, community organizations and nearby congregations.

What is a DORA?

A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area is a state-authorized district where adults age 21 and older may purchase beverages from participating businesses and carry them outdoors within clearly marked boundaries.

The Indiana General Assembly authorized DORAs in 2023. More than 50 Indiana communities have established DORAs to support downtown activity, events and local businesses.

The Downtown Goshen DORA operates under state law, City ordinance and local regulations. All existing federal, state and local laws remain in effect.

DORA Hours

The Downtown Goshen DORA operates during the following hours:

• Thursday
  4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday
  4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday
  Noon to 11 p.m.

The Board of Public Works and Safety may approve operation during special events. The Mayor and Police Chief may temporarily restrict or suspend operations if public safety concerns arise.

DORA Boundaries

The Downtown Goshen DORA includes much of the city’s downtown core, including portions of:

• Main Street
• Lincoln Avenue
• Washington Street
• Madison Street
• Powerhouse Park
• Goshen Brewing Company
• The Millrace corridor
• Downtown public gathering spaces

All residential properties are excluded from the DORA.

Participating Businesses

The following businesses have expressed interest in participating in the Downtown Goshen DORA:

Additional businesses may participate in the future following approval through the required state and local processes.

DORA Rules

Visitors using the DORA must follow several important rules:

• Must be age 21 or older
• Purchase beverages only from participating businesses
• Use only approved DORA cups
• Stay within DORA boundaries
• Carry no more than two beverages at one time
• Follow all instructions from law enforcement and event staff

Businesses and organizations within the DORA may prohibit outside beverages from entering their property.

DORA Cup Requirements

All beverages carried outside a participating business must be served in an approved DORA cup.

State law limits beverage sizes to:

• Beer and malt beverages: 16 ounces
• Wine, hard cider and hard seltzer: 12 ounces
• Mixed drinks: 10 ounces with no more than 2 ounces of liquor

Glass containers are not permitted outside approved outdoor dining areas.

Signage and Boundary Markers

The City of Goshen has installed signage throughout the district to help visitors identify DORA boundaries and participating locations.

Look for:

• DORA boundary signs at entry and exit points
• “DORA Sold Here” decals at participating businesses
• “DORA Welcome” and “DORA Not Permitted” decals at businesses and organizations throughout downtown

If you cross a DORA boundary, beverages purchased within the DORA must remain inside the designated area.

Safety and Enforcement

The Goshen Police Department maintains full enforcement authority within the DORA.

The City has developed public safety and sanitation plans to support the program and maintain a clean, welcoming downtown environment.

The DORA is designed to encourage responsible enjoyment while supporting local businesses and community events.

Goshen DORA Ordinance