Council approves alcohol waiver for Thelma concert and hears mixed views on a permanent DORA

The Fond du Lac City Council on May 27 approved a resolution waiving the prohibition on possession of alcoholic beverages on specified public ways for a Thelma Center concert scheduled for Aug. 21, 2026, and heard a lengthy input discussion about a possible citywide DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area).

Miss Heftter introduced the Thelma waiver request on behalf of staff, noting the special-event application and staff approval. The council moved and seconded the waiver and adopted it unanimously.

Separately, staff updated the council on the broader DORA proposal and summarized outreach: a city survey returned mixed results, downtown partners provided input, and the police chief raised operational concerns. As staff summarized the chief’s points, the council heard that a DORA could lead to “increased public intoxication, increased disorderly conduct, increased public disturbance” and create enforcement and staffing challenges.

Representatives of Thelma and several council members also noted potential economic impacts: Thelma’s outdoor refreshment sales help fund Thursday-night concerts and community programming, and organizers worry a permanent DORA could undercut that revenue. Council members discussed geographic fit — noting that DORAs tend to work best in compact, pedestrianized entertainment districts — enforcement boundaries, and whether to limit outdoor consumption waivers to discrete special events.

Several council members, including Mr. Zimmerman, questioned whether there was sufficient public demand to adopt a permanent DORA at this time; others emphasized the potential to increase foot traffic downtown. The council appeared to favor tabling the DORA proposal until boundaries, enforcement plans and more public input can be developed.

The Thelma waiver approved by council applies to the event dates specified on the permit; staff confirmed no glass containers or carry-ins will be permitted in the designated area and that city staff had recommended approval.