The City of Emporia has announced a Special Meeting of the Governing Body to deliberate on an ordinance that would establish a Common Consumption Area (CCA) within the city.
The meeting is set for Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. and will be held at the William Lindsay White Civic Auditorium in the City Commission Meeting Room.
Understanding the Common Consumption Area (CCA)
The concept of a Common Consumption Area (CCA) was introduced during a City Commission study session on February 5.
Under Kansas state law, a CCA permits alcohol consumption in designated public areas beyond licensed establishments. However, participants must adhere to specific rules:
- No outside alcoholic beverages can be brought into the CCA.
- Alcoholic drinks cannot be removed from the designated CCA boundaries.
Proposed Boundaries and Regulations
The proposed Common Consumption Area would cover Commercial Street from 12th Avenue to 4th Avenue. If approved, the CCA would be enforceable daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
The area would include 12 licensed establishments in downtown Emporia, such as:
- Muldready’s Pub
- Bourbon Cowboy
- Radius Brewing Company
To ensure clarity and compliance, signage will be placed at all corner boundaries of the CCA to define its limits.
Participation Requirements for Businesses
For a business to participate in the CCA, it must:
- Obtain a license or temporary permit
- Apply to the State of Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
Only businesses that meet these requirements will be allowed to serve and sell alcohol within the designated CCA.
Why a City-Sponsored CCA?
Since 2021, private businesses have sponsored temporary CCAs for specific events. However, the proposal to make the CCA city-sponsored aims to bring multiple benefits, including:
- A streamlined and regulated process for CCA establishment
- Increased business participation beyond individual event sponsors
- A more efficient approach to regulating alcohol consumption in designated public spaces
| Feature | Private CCA | City-Sponsored CCA |
|---|---|---|
| Who Sponsors It? | Individual businesses | The City of Emporia |
| Who Can Participate? | Only the sponsoring business | Any licensed establishment |
| Regulatory Oversight | Limited | More structured and regulated |
| Flexibility | Temporary | Long-term and consistent |
Next Steps
The special meeting on Wednesday will determine whether the proposed Common Consumption Area ordinance moves forward.
If approved, downtown Emporia will see a permanent designated public drinking area, offering both residents and visitors a new way to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife while staying within legal parameters.
With the City Commission’s special meeting approaching, the future of Emporia’s Common Consumption Area will soon be decided. If approved, this initiative could bring a new dynamic to downtown businesses and enhance the city’s social and economic atmosphere.
FAQs
What is a Common Consumption Area (CCA)?
A CCA is a designated public area where alcohol consumption is permitted beyond licensed establishments under regulated conditions.
Can I bring my own alcohol into the CCA?
No, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited within the CCA.
What businesses are included in the proposed CCA?
The 12 participating businesses include Muldready’s Pub, Bourbon Cowboy, and Radius Brewing Company, among others.
