Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs)

A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows patrons ages 21 and older to purchase an alcoholic beverage from an approved establishment, then sip, stroll, shop and explore within the designated boundaries. 

The City of Knoxville has plans to launch a Market Square DORA over the summer of 2026, and pending City Council approval, another DORA around the Multiuse Stadium could also begin this summer. 

“Businesses, residents and visitors have been asking for this for some time and I think these new Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas will only enhance the downtown experience," said Mayor Indya Kincannon.

The creation of the DORA is intended to enhance the outdoor dining and entertainment experiences, while encouraging more business for participating restaurant and retail establishments in the area.

Businesses that meet all the criteria and complete the application process successfully will be able to sell beer, wine and alcoholic beverages that can be taken outside into the designated zone.

The City is emulating successful models currently operating in other cities. If the pilot program goes well, City leaders could explore additional DORAs in the future.

	DORA Beverage Sticker

How does it work?

• Businesses that already sell alcohol and/or beer can apply to participate

• Approved businesses can sell alcoholic beverages and/or beer that can be taken by customers outside of the business into the DORA geography

• Knoxville will have a DORA at Market Square and potentially one around the Multiuse Stadium (pending City Council approval)
 
• Drinks must be in a can or clear cup and must have a DORA sticker affixed

• Customers cannot take an alcoholic beverage into another establishment
 
• Beverages will need to be emptied and cups thrown away before leaving the DORA zone
 
• DORA hours are 10 am – 10 pm, 7 days a week. Last call is 9:30 pm

• Signage and maps will help customers know where the boundaries are


What are the boundaries?

	Market Square DORA Map

	Multiuse Stadium DORA Map
	City Council will consider this map around Covenant Health Park – Map is pending Council approval

Want more details?

Check out the DORA Manual (link coming soon) with details for business owners, bar staff and the public. The application for businesses in the geographic area with a valid beer permit and/or liquor license is here (link coming soon). 


When does City Council look at the Stadium details?

It’s important to note, that at the same time the City is implementing the Market Square DORA, which has already been approved by the state, City Council is getting ready to consider a similar concept around the Multiuse Stadium located at 500 E. Jackson Avenue, on their May 26, 2026 agenda. 

The State of Tennessee approved and applied a special designation to the multiuse stadium, which essentially allows beer, wine, and alcohol to be sold by approved establishments and then taken into the immediate adjacent areas. This designation requires City Council approval of the geographic area and general plan for the multiuse stadium.