Carmel's carry-out alcohol program off to a popular start
Carmel's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, which allows patrons to carry out alcohol from certain businesses in the city, is off to a popular start.
'It's a massive opportunity,' said Jeff Blair, owner of Fork + Ale House Kitchen Brewery near Carmel's Midtown Plaza.
The district was activated on May 23, heading into Memorial Day Weekend. Blair said he had to ask the city for additional DORA cups that weekend because his business was going to run out.
He estimated he sold about 800 drinks in DORA cups between May 28 and June 4.
About a dozen businesses, including 101 Beer Kitchen, The GOAT and Bazbeaux, opted to participate in the DORA District. Plans for the district were approved by city councilors last summer.
Patrons, 21 years and older, are allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from the approved businesses, carry them outside and consume them within the district's boundaries. Businesses in the district can also opt to allow patrons to carry DORA drinks into their establishments.
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The drinks must be sold in the DORA-branded aluminum cups.
The district's boundaries are roughly West Carmel Drive on the south to 1st Northwest Street on the north, along the Monon Greenway, and 3rd Avenue Southwest on the west to South Range Line Road on the east. The city has signs marking the boundaries.
Madeline Gordon, general manager of Wine & Rind, said the program allows her business to sell individual cups of wine to patrons that they can walk with around the district.
'People are starting to pick up on it,' Gordon said. "Once it comes to festival season with Artomobilia and the international arts festival, I think we will see even more people using the program.'
Penn & Beech Candle Co. is one of the businesses where patrons can bring their DORA cups inside. Sarah Chait, director of marketing for the candle company, said her business is also looking forward to customers using the program during festivals this summer.
Kelly Douglas, director of marketing and community relations with the city, added that there have not been any cleanliness or behavioral issues associated with the launch of the district reported to Carmel's street or police departments.
Carmel City Councilor Jeff Worrell said one resident has brought up an issue with the district's boundaries being too close to their home. He said that the city's commission on the DORA District is looking into this and may adjust the boundaries.
'That's the purpose of the commission,' Worrell said. 'It's to hear and fine-tune those issues.'
The city councilor added that he wanted residents to keep in mind that the aluminum DORA cups are recyclable.
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