Patrons may soon be able to carry alcohol openly during select hours on the weekends in downtown Owensboro, expanding on last year’s successful first season for the Entertainment Destination Center.
The EDC, otherwise known as The District, was created last year and allowed alcohol to be carried in open containers during special events. The first reading of a proposed amendment to that ordinance — allowing the expanded operating hours of The District — was heard during Tuesday’s City Commission meeting.
The inaugural season for The District was used primarily for Friday After 5, City Manager Nate Pagan said.
“It went smoothly and no issues or problems were encountered,” he added.
At a work session several months ago, City leaders discussed some potential changes that could be made for The District this year — such as allowing residents to carry alcohol in green cups from 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. on Fridays and from noon-12 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The ordinance includes a provision that gives event organizers who are against the open container policy the ability to be excluded from The District’s guidelines.
“If an event is occurring when The District is active but organizers do not want alcohol to be present at their event, we can restrict the carrying of the green cups while their event is taking place,” Pagan said.
When City Commissioner Larry Conder asked how event organizers would make their aversion toward the open container policy known prior to their event, Pagan said their decision would be made upfront as part of the event permit process.
Director of Public Events Tim Ross said he expected that most event organizers would not refrain from participating in The District. However, an event like the International Bar-B-Q Fest — known for bringing out people of all ages, including teenagers — likely wouldn’t want to participate to avoid any liability, he said.
“We think that those afternoons and evenings shouldn’t have too many conflicts during the year,” Ross said.
The City could decide whether a specific event shouldn’t incorporate The District, or if the proposed hours should be cut back or removed entirely.
Alcohol carried in the green cups must continue to be purchased from the restaurants and bars participating as part of The District. After allowing restaurants to expand outdoor seating as a result of COVID-19, Pagan said many restaurant owners requested an expansion of The District’s hours, believing it would “boost business during this difficult time.”
The District currently runs from West Veteran’s Boulevard to Fifth Street and from the Miller House on Crittenden Street to Poplar Street. District cups are never permitted inside specified zones, including Lazy Dayz Playground, Shelton Memorial in Smothers Park, and any church property within the allocated space.
Patrons cannot carry cups into another business location, and cups must stay within The District’s boundaries — which are indicated through signs placed around the perimeters.
State and city laws regarding public intoxication, impaired driving and open containers apply to areas both inside and outside of The District boundaries.
