Contest Courtesy: The Lebanon Reporter
The crowd at Monday’s Lebanon City Council meeting was unusually large as business owners and residents packed the room to weigh in on a proposal that will allow alcohol consumption within specified downtown boundaries.
The Heart of Lebanon began pursuing the creation of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) around the Boone County Courthouse square in June.
City Council members approved the ordinance in a 5–1 vote with council member Sandra Jasionowski casting the lone dissenting vote for the second time that evening.
The DORA discussion lasted more than an hour with nearly 50 minutes of public comment, as supporters and opponents outlined contrasting visions for Lebanon’s future.
Many business owners attended the meeting to back The Heart of Lebanon’s efforts. Throughout the night it was repeated that a DORA is meant to be an economic development tool to help local businesses attract and keep customers downtown.
Business owners on the square including Patrick Klooz from Klooz Brewz, Mel McMahan from Indiana Gifts, Robert Crawford and Brady Martin from 1830 Chophouse, and Sean Kim from Boone County Cake Co. were among the many business owners who spoke in support of a DORA.
These owners said a DORA will give visitors a reason to stay downtown longer, walk between shops and restaurants and explore the square instead of leaving right after dinner.
The downtown Lebanon DORA will encompass the four streets surrounding the courthouse for now, but Missy Krulik, executive director of The Heart of Lebanon, said if there is interest they will discuss an expansion. Each city is permitted up to seven districts per state regulations.
Krulik also emphasized that although Indiana law allows two drinks per person, Lebanon will only serve one drink at a time. Any alcohol carried out of a restaurant or brewery must be in a city-approved cup labeled with the DORA logo. And only those 21 and older will be served.
She also said council members suggested a more conservative schedule for active DORA hours and Lebanon’s is one of the strictest in the state. Active hours will be 5–10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon–10 p.m. Saturdays each week.
Business owners were not the only ones who spoke at Monday’s meeting. Several residents shared opposing views including 101-year-old Russell Roberts, who has lived in Lebanon for 65 years. He said he worries about the example this will set for youth.
“Lebanon is supposed to be a city for everyone,” Roberts said. “What are we teaching young people if we center everything around alcohol?”
Though others who spoke said they have no concern with their children seeing adults enjoy a drink responsibly in a clearly labeled cup.
Council member John Copeland said he visited Noblesville’s DORA district and spoke with families in downtown Lebanon after the idea was first introduced.
He said parents told him they had no issue with their children seeing adults carry a beverage, especially in a transparent, traceable container.
Several commenters also argued that people already drink outside and conceal it. They said a DORA would create regulation instead of potential danger from secrecy.
Brady Martin, co-owner of 1830 Chophouse previously lived in Lafayette and ran a business within its DORA district.
“When Lafayette implemented their DORA, two major things happened,” Martin said. “Foot traffic increased consistently and people stayed downtown longer and they visited more businesses.”
Martin said his restaurant in Lafayette saw a 22% increase in profits, and other surrounding businesses expanded their hours due to the increase in customers.
Multiple speakers also added that DORA districts also lead people to drink less, not more, because walking between shops forces time between drinks.
While some opponents expressed frustration with the number of downtown events that already include alcohol, Sarah Howell, event coordinator for The Heart of Lebanon, noted that the organization hosted more than 35 alcohol-free events this year.
Mayor Matt Gentry acknowledged concerns and assured residents the city will monitor the DORA district. If it doesn’t work or there are issues, they will reassess, he said.
Applause erupted in the Council Chambers when the ordinance was officially passed before majority of the crowd filed out of the room and the council took a five-minute recess.
In a Facebook post after the meeting, The Heart of Lebanon said several steps remain before downtown Lebanon’s DORA is implemented, and the organization will continue providing updates.
At this stage, four businesses are approved to serve DORA beverages once the district launched: Boone County Cake Co., Four Finger Distillery, Klooz Brewz and 1830 Chophouse.
To participate, businesses within the district must apply for approval by the city and the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Corporation.
More on Lebanon’s Downtown DORA District
Source: City of Lebanon — City Approves Downtown DORA District, 2026-05-26.