JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — On Friday night, people in Jeffersonville walked and shopped with a drink in their hand.
A popular new ordinance called a designated outdoor refreshment area, or DORA, went into effect this week and people couldn't wait.
"But now that you can walk around and have a little freedom, just pour it right in a cup and you're good to go," Shawn Foreman said.
Patrons will get to take in arts and entertainment all while walking around outside with their alcoholic beverages in a special DORA cup from 10 a.m. -10 p.m. everyday of the week.
"Perfect timing; river stage will be starting up people will be going for dinner and they can shop and go to a concert, it's a win-win for downtown," Leslie Taylor said.
Signs are posted outside participating establishments to let you know when you're entering and exiting the DORA zone.
Longtime Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore said the city has the largest DORA area in the state; it's from the riverfront all the way to the entrance of 10th Street.
"I'm really excited about this I've been asking for help from the state legislature for about three years now," he said.
Moore said he's excited to see this bring more foot traffic to the area.
"Now you can do it with a little bit of alcohol and have a good time, I know merchants in Jeff are very excited about it; there's some partnerships starting to come up where one restaurant might have something with another restaurant," he said.
So far four Jeffersonville establishments are participating in the DORA zone, including Harry's Taphouse & Kitchen.
"It helps us bring more people in which helps everybody and I think it's going to be a huge success as we move through the summer with the riverfront concerts here," owner James Corbin said.
And it's just in time for summer festivities.
"It's something we've all been wanting and little progress is a good thing," Foreman said.
The state only allows seven establishments to offer DORA's in the area. Retailers have to apply for a permit in order to participate.
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