PROPOSED D.O.R.A. IN GALLIPOLIS

What is being proposed?

A group has proposed that the City of Gallipolis create a D.O.R.A. – a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area – under Ohio law (ORC §4301.82)

A DORA is a specific area where alcohol, wine, and beer may be carried and consumed openly in public (in special cups), exempt from normal open-container restrictions.

This proposal is scheduled to be voted on by the Gallipolis City Commission at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. We just became aware that the City Commissioners had a rushed special meeting in order to expedite the process in which it is was voted in favor of 3 to 1.

Other states have similar concepts; for example, West Virginia has “PODA” zones. Ohio’s term is D.O.R.A.

You can read about the Gallipolis DORA proposal here: Gallipolis Commission moves forward on downtown DORA proposal

 
Proposed boundaries and operation

• Location: From Vine Street to Pine Street, and from 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue, including the riverfront area.
• Open containers:
  • Alcohol must be in official DORA cups which are purchased by patrons from certain local establishments within the DORA area. The city makes money by selling these DORA cups to these establishments.
  • There are other restrictions that can be read about at this link:  https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4301.82

 

Participating establishments

The proposal lists the following qualified permit holders inside the DORA:

• The Colony
• The Elks Lodge
• Courtside Bar
• The Spot Bar (formerly Uncle Kenny’s, Mogie’s, and Hank’s Bar)
• Lorobi’s Pizza
• Reyes Cantina
• VFW Auxiliary
• Dock Inn Tavern
• (Plus any additional locations the city may later approve within the zone.)

 
Stated purpose of the DORA

According to the proposal, the DORA is intended to:

• “Promote development and create an interesting and stimulating pedestrian environment”
• “Strengthen the mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented nature of historic downtown”
• “Support and strengthen downtown businesses,” including bars and other establishments

In practical terms, this means open alcohol consumption on the streets, sidewalks, and public spaces of downtown Gallipolis within the defined area.

 

Sanitation, safety, and signage

The proposal also includes:

• Sanitation plans
  • Extra trash/recycling receptacles for DORA cups
  • Responsibility shared between the City and permit holders
• Public safety plans
  • The City may assign additional officers during larger events
  • Law enforcement remains responsible for behavior within the DORA
• Signage
  • Signs will mark DORA entry and exit points
  • Signs will list rules and hours of operation

 

Hours of operation

• 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM – every day of the year (365 days).
• The City Commission reserves the right to temporarily suspend the DORA at certain times if they choose.

This means open alcohol could be carried in public all day and evening, year-round, within the downtown and riverfront area.

 
How citizens can respond

Those who are concerned are encouraged to:

1. First of all, Pray and ask the Lord for wisdom and protection for our community, and that God would change the hearts of our leadership
2. Sign the petition
3. Contact the City Commissioners and share their concerns respectfully.

Attend the Commission meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM to make their voices heard.
 

Contact information

City Commissioners:

• President Michael C. Fulks – mfulks8@yahoo.com
• Vice-President Dr. William B. Thomas – bthomas61william@aol.com
• Michael W. Brown – mbrown@gallipoliscity.com
• William (Bill) Jenkins – rwj@zoomnet.net
• W. Matthew Johnson – wmjohnson1970@gmail.com

City Officials:

• Acting City Manager John Westfall – citymanager@gallipoliscity.com
• City Clerk / Auditor Shelly L. Clonch – cityauditor@gallipoliscity.com

Phone:

• City Clerk Shelly Clonch – 740-441-6003 ext. 523

Mailing Address:

Gallipolis City Commission
333 Third Avenue
Gallipolis, OH 45631

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THE OFFICIAL PETITION AGAINST D.O.R.A. IN GALLIPOLIS, OHIO

To Be Submitted to the Gallipolis City Commission

We, the undersigned residents, parents, grandparents, business owners, and concerned citizens of Gallipolis and Gallia County, firmly oppose the establishment of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (D.O.R.A.) in any form within the City of Gallipolis.

Regardless of:

• the Vine to Pine St. and 1st to 3rd Ave. boundaries proposed,
• the 9am – 11pm hours designated,
• the specific listed participating businesses, or
• the specific locations included,

we believe a DORA is not appropriate anywhere in our city.

 
Our Position Is Absolute

A DORA—whether it covers several streets or a single block, whether it operates from 9 AM to 11 PM or only during evening hours—would bring open alcohol consumption into public family spaces, and would fundamentally change the culture, safety, and character of Gallipolis.

We, therefore, oppose any and every current and potential version, size, or adjustment of the DORA proposal.
This is not a matter for modification or compromise.
Our stance is firm: No DORA at all in Gallipolis.

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Our Concerns Include (and apply to ANY potential DORA area):

1. Exposure of Children to Public Alcohol Consumption

• Whether downtown, the city park, or a single street - A DORA forces children to watch open drinking as a normal part of public life.
• This harms our community’s values and our children’s environment.

 

2. Increased Risk of Underage Drinking

In every location and under every schedule, DORAs make it easier for minors to:

• Obtain alcohol from adults through “cup-dumping”
• Drink without oversight
• Blend in unnoticed in a crowd with identical cups

 

3. Negative Impact on Family Events

DORA would negatively affect:

• Christmas in Lights
• River Recreation Festival
• First Fridays
• Car shows
• Public park gatherings
• Youth activities
• And many more

Alcohol in any shared public area shifts the focus away from family-friendly community life. 

 

4. Increased Law Enforcement Burden

Any amount of outdoor alcohol consumption:

• Requires additional police attention (especially in “big” events)
• Creates unpredictable crowd behavior (fighting, fowl language, etc.)
• Places officers in a reactive posture and puts them even more in danger
• Increases public intoxication risk

Even a “smaller” DORA area and/or a shorter timeframe would not reduce the strain – it would simply concentrate the problems into a tighter area.

 

5. Higher Drunk-Driving Risk

Where alcohol consumption increases, DUI risk rises. A DORA introduces a drinking culture that inevitably spills over into roadways regardless of:

• hours of operation
• size of the zone
• number of participating bars

 
6. Damage to the Character of Our Town

We want a community known for:

• safety
• family values
• strong churches
• wholesome events
• peaceful parks
• a protected downtown

A DORA—large or small—redefines Gallipolis around alcohol, not family life; it paints Gallipolis as a party town, not a place to raise a family.

 
Our Request (Clear and Unequivocal)

We respectfully urge the Gallipolis City Commission to:

❌ Reject the DORA proposal entirely.

❌ Reject any reduced, modified, or “compromise” version.

❌ Refuse the creation of a DORA anywhere in Gallipolis.

Our community does not need an outdoor drinking district—of any size, under any conditions.

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