DORA: Elkhart's Social District

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.

Elkhart's Social District is designed to enhance the downtown experience by allowing patrons to responsibly enjoy alcoholic beverages in a defined area while ensuring safety and compliance. The DORA is intended to supplement the downtown experience, contribute to a festive atmosphere, and encourage increased foot traffic that benefits our local businesses. 

• Sunday - Thursday: 12:00PM - 10:00PM 

• Friday - Saturday: 12:00PM - 11:00PM 

1. Purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating DORA establishment. 

2. Your beverage must be served in an official DORA cup.

3. Enjoy your beverage responsibly within the designated DORA boundary.

4. Dispose of cups properly to help keep Downtown Elkhart clean and welcoming.

Participating businesses will display official DORA signage near entrances and exits. This signage helps visitors easily identify which establishments DORA beverages may be purchased and carried. 

• Any open alcoholic beverages purchased from designated establishments within the DORA must remain within the designated DORA boundaries. 

• To-go orders of alcoholic beverages must be offered to guests in designated DORA cups. 

  • No glass containers or other non-DORA containers may be used for to-go orders of alcoholic beverages. 

• In the event of unsafe or other concerning behavior on the part of a patron, a designated permittee may deny service if a patron seems overserved. 

• Participating DORA establishments will have signage visibly displayed if the window of their business. 

• All state and local laws remain in effect.

Businesses located within the DORA boundary that hold an eligible alcohol permit may apply to participate in Elkhart's DORA. Participating establishments must comply with all applicable local and state regulations, including approved signage and use of official DORA cups. 

To learn more about participation requirements or begin the application process, please contact the Economic Development Team. 

For questions regarding Elkhart's DORA, please contact: 

• Thalia Mora - Economic Development Specialist 

  • Email: Thalia.Mora@cityofelkhartin.gov 

  • Phone: (574) 399-8418

• Drew Wynes - Economic Development Specialist 

  • Email: Drew.Wynes@cityofelkhartin.gov

  • Phone: (574) 849-9497