The Rules and Public Policy Committee voted to pass two ordinances as amended that create a citywide process for designated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs) and would establish a DORA in Irvington.

Councilor Andy Nielsen, the sponsor, described Proposal 3-51 as the citywide framework and Proposal 3-52 as the Irvington-specific ordinance. Nielsen said a DORA permits people 21 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved vendors and carry them within clearly defined boundaries. He said the state statute requires an ordinance that includes a map, designated permittees and hours, and that the city can submit the ordinance to the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) for approval. "The DORA allows an individual who is at least 21 years old to purchase alcoholic beverages from approved vendors and establishments and carry them outside to be consumed within the DORA boundaries," Nielsen said.

Nielsen and his amendments set operational limits meant to address safety and neighborhood concerns: signage at permittee entrances/exits and around Dora boundaries; limits on container volumes (examples cited by the sponsor included 16-ounce beer, 12-ounce wine, a mixed drink no more than 10 ounces and 2 ounces of liquor, with combinations limited); required use of non-glass, non-breakable, recyclable or compostable cups inside the Dora; sanitation plans and trash cans to be the responsibility of the applicant; and an explicit statement that Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) may intervene or establish additional safety rules if necessary. Nielsen also narrowed the Irvington footprint to the neighborhood's business district (Washington Street and Bonneux, joined by Audubon Road) and said the business community committed to non-glass containers.

Supporters who spoke during public comment included small-business owners and neighborhood organizations. Carrie Shea read a statement from her business partner, Jim Arnold of The Snug, saying the DORA will "help drive foot traffic, support local businesses, and create a more engaging and walkable environment." Julie Yuzell, director of the Irvington Halloween Festival, said the event draws more than 60,000 people and expressed unanimous support from the neighborhood group that runs the festival. Neil Warner, owner of Strange Bird, said the proposal will "streamline the regulatory framework for businesses like mine during those big events." Several other business owners and local groups provided letters of support that the sponsor said were in the packet.

Opponents and concerned residents urged delay and more outreach. Reuben Flack told the committee the DORA "has been pushed far forward far too quickly," saying many residents "were not given real notice or time" and asking for a 60-day delay. Flack and other speakers criticized the lack of a funded enforcement strategy and the absence of dedicated IMPD officers in the proposal. A resident who said she walked the business strip reported finding only two owners who knew of the project and warned that scheduling public meetings during the holiday season limited awareness.

After debate and a request for supportive votes, the clerk called roll and the committee passed Proposal 3-51 as amended with recorded ayes from Councilors Renee, Allen, Brown, Lewis, Mowery, Nielsen and Chair Robinson; the committee also passed Proposal 3-52 as amended in a separate roll-call vote. Nielsen told the committee he will remain responsible for monitoring the Dora's performance and said he will introduce a rescission if necessary. The sponsor also noted that after council passage the city will assemble required materials and submit them to ATC for final approval before the Dora becomes operational.

The ordinance package assigns responsibilities for signage, trash and sanitation to applicants and allows permittees to opt into participation. The council's action at committee sends the ordinances to the full council for the next step in the process.