INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Westfield city government is seeking approval for a proposal that would allow people to carry open alcoholic beverages outdoors within certain areas. 

The proposal, called a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, has been approved in at least 14 other Indiana cities, according to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. 

The district would cover the downtown corridor of Westfield, and nine businesses have agreed to participate. The edges of the district will be clearly marked, and each business will have signs in their window signifying they are included. 

Patrick Tamm, a Republican who is president of the Westfield City Council, said, “A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area allows a geographically defined area for customers to responsibly consume alcohol in designated cups, per Indiana law, with logos,”

The nine businesses include Something Splendid, Chiba, Westfield Greek’s Pizzeria, The Italian House, Nyla’s, Four Finger Distillery, Westfield Wine Vault, Village Pizza, and Field Brewing. 

A maximum of two drinks can be purchased by anyone older than 21, and each drink must be carried in a cup specifically made for the DORA district. 

Each business is in charge of buying its own DORA cups. 

Kim Kercheval, who owns Village Pizza, is excited by the possibility of the district. “They wouldn’t have to tote any containers of alcohol here. They would be able to support a local business.” 

Although her restaurant already has a takeout liquor license, she looks forward to the business opportunities the proposal could bring. 

The proposal includes hours from noon-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday to Sunday. 

The city’s district also would require DORA containers to be disposed of before entering another bar or restaurant. That would include people who are “Designated Permittees,” and businesses displaying a “DORA beverages are not permitted” decal in the window.