Manhattan Establishes Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Zone for Alcohol Consumption
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Downtown Manhattan has implemented a Common Consumption Area that allows patrons to carry alcoholic beverages outside participating establishments within designated boundaries throughout the downtown district.
The outdoor refreshment zone permits legal-age customers to purchase drinks from approved businesses and walk with them in designated areas, as well as enter other downtown businesses that welcome the beverages.
"This just means that if you'd like to take your alcoholic drink with you when you leave a participating establishment, you may walk around the downtown area with it," according to Downtown Manhattan Inc. officials.
The Common Consumption Area operates from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily year-round, though the city manager may temporarily suspend the program during certain downtown events.
Four establishments currently participate in the program, serving alcoholic beverages in approved plastic cups: Bourbon & Baker, The Chef, Manhattan Brewing Company and Tallgrass Taphouse.
Several downtown businesses do not permit alcoholic beverages on their premises, including The Mall, Claflin Books, Salvation Army, Steve's Floral, Syndicate Tattoo, Tease Hair Studio, Village Geek and The Winged Lion. Door stickers identify businesses that allow or prohibit outside drinks.
The program includes strict regulations designed to maintain compliance with state and local laws. Outside alcohol is prohibited within the consumption area, and drinks may only be consumed outside establishments in the approved plastic cups provided by participating venues.
Sidewalk paint and posted signs mark the boundaries of the refreshment zone to help visitors understand where alcohol consumption is permitted. Patrons must dispose of drinks before leaving the downtown Common Consumption Area.
The outdoor refreshment zone represents an effort to enhance the downtown experience by allowing greater flexibility for patrons visiting multiple establishments while maintaining appropriate oversight of alcohol consumption in public spaces.
Similar Common Consumption Areas have been implemented in communities across Kansas as a way to support local businesses and create more vibrant downtown districts while ensuring responsible alcohol service and consumption.