Westfield approves policy to allow patrons to carry drinks out of downtown bars
Jake AllenUpdate: The Westfield City Council unanimously passed an ordinance approving a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in the city at a June 24, 2024, meeting. The city will now send its plans to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for final approval.
Original story: Downtown Westfield could get an economic and vibrancy boost as the city considers allowing patrons to carry alcoholic beverages out of certain restaurants and bars.
“It'll have a huge impact on revitalizing downtown,” said Mayor Scott Willis.
Nine Westfield bars and restaurants are already lined up to opt in if plans move forward, including Chiba, Something Splendid, Greek’s Pizzeria of Westfield, The Italian House, Nyla’s, Four Finger Distillery, Westfield Wine Vault, Jan’s Village Pizza and Field Brewing.
More:New Noblesville policy will let bar patrons explore downtown with drink in hand
Patrons would be allowed to exit participating businesses with up to two eligible open containers. The drinks would only be allowed within the boundaries of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, and outside alcohol would not be allowed in.
“We are big fans of a fun, social atmosphere,” said Curt Whitesell, a manager at Greek’s Pizzeria of Westfield. “Anytime you can create a more modern atmosphere for customers then it's a win for everyone.”
If the Westfield City Council approves its ordinance, the city will have to send its plans to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for final approval. Noblesville recently finalized its plans for their own downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area and sent an application to the state.
Noblesville lobbied for the bill creating the DORA in the Indiana General Assembly beginning in 2021 until it passed in 2023. Thirteen other Indiana municipalities have already been approved for DORAs, including Fort Wayne, Jasper and Shelbyville.
Westfield city councilors were presented the DORA ordinance Monday and will consider adopting it at the June 24 City Council meeting.
How would Westfield’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area operate?
Westfield’s DORA would stretch from Penn Street on the north end to south of Roosevelt Street and include Grand Junction Plaza. It would operate Monday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The map of the district was drawn with current and potential development in mind.
Customers would be served their drinks in plastic cups with a designated logo. Each participating business would have uniform signage welcoming customers. Businesses in the district could also opt out and not participate.
Patrons with the carry-out drinks would not be able to enter the other restaurants or bars with them and would have to dispose of the containers before entering. Patrons can enter retail stores, art galleries or other types of businesses that opt into the program with their drinks.
If approved, the city’s ordinance would cap the beverage sizes at:
- 16 ounces of beer or flavored malt beverage
- 12 ounces of wine, cider or hard seltzer
- 10 ounces of a mixed drink with no more than 2 ounces of liquor
The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area would stimulate economic activity by encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time and money in the designated areas, according to a presentation from the city’s communications director Kayla Arnold.
The district would also lead to higher foot traffic and sales for local businesses and more community engagement in outdoor settings, Arnold told city councilors.
Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.