By HOLLY GASKILL
A potential Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area poses a unique opportunity for the Wells County Convention and Visitors Commission.
The board discussed the proposed DORA during their meeting Wednesday, noting that it could play well in cross-promoting downtown Bluffton businesses. Created by the state last year, a DORA allows individuals to hold and consume alcoholic beverages openly within the boundary.
The proposal is ultimately in early development — Tourism Coordinator Audry Dudley said there’s no defined timeline to create the area.
Dudley said that within Bluffton, it could allow someone to take a beverage from one establishment into another or to a Parlor City Plaza event. It would also simplify the process for alcohol permitting for downtown events.
However, each business has the option to join the DORA. These businesses will also have to display signage for the DORA and use special cups with the DORA logo for drinks taken from the establishment.
The proposed area draws boundaries around most of downtown and may include Kehoe Park; the Bluffton Parks board is slated to discuss the DORA during their meeting on Thursday. A similar DORA has been implemented in Fort Wayne’s downtown.
Meanwhile, Dudley told the commission she’s seeking quotes from printers for various tourism map styles, with hopes of finding a local partner. Dudley said it’s been difficult to find the best map form, balancing between cost and utility. Board member Zane Herr referenced a map from Huntington County as a possible model — the map is one sheet of paper with highlighted tourism attractions.
Dudley said she’s also continued to work with local groups for grants to advertise their events to out-of-county areas. These grants are made possible through revenue from the local innkeepers’ tax on short-term overnight accommodations, which accrued $22,014.26 in the first quarter.
Board members present were Herr, Scott Elzey, Jeff Reed, Brandy Fiechter, Michelle Blount and Jon Winne; Steve Higgins, Jay Esparza and Justin Osborne were absent.
The board will meet next at 8 a.m. July 10 at the Wells County Commerce & Visitors Center.
holly@news-banner.com
