Mishawaka allows alcohol outside in new downtown development

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- The city of Mishawaka welcomed the Downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Wed. evening at the Ironworks Plaza.

The new downtown initiative allows the public to drink alcoholic beverages outside in a designed area, from one of three first official vendors, Sun King Brewery, Public House, or Social Cantina.

The first step at the DORA is to buy an alcoholic drink of choice from one of the vendors. It will come in a marked cup that is then allowed to leave the establishment, and can be taken anywhere inside the DORA perimeter, which is marked by multiple signs.

The executive director of development and governmental affairs for the City of Mishawaka, Matthew Lentsch, says this project has been in the works for about a year, the city crafting an ordinance to fit in downtown Mishawaka.

“If friends want to come down and one wants to go to Social Cantina and have a cocktail and somebody else wants to go to Sun King and get a great beer, and meet in the beer garden or wherever, they can do that. Before, it was illegal, it was against the law, but now you can do that, or you can stroll and see the riverfront or see Peter Park and have a good time,” said Lentsch.

Lentsch went on to explain that other vendors can join the Ironwork Plaza DORA too. Through either a temporary license for one of the many events held in the area, or as a permanent vendor for business who move into the plaza and request to join through the city.