Are common consumption areas coming to Manhattan?

MANHATTAN ( KSNT ) – Manhattan city leaders are considering common consumption in areas of the Little Apple.

The Manhattan Commission hosted a work session meeting Tuesday, Sept. 25 where the discussion of common consumption areas (CCA) took place. CCA’s would differ from special events, which are what Manhattan currently allows, where streets get closed off and it’s limited to specific days and times, as well as specific areas, like Aggieville and City Park.

In April 2023, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed a bill allowing cities to create their own common consumption areas.

A ‘common consumption area’ is a defined indoor or outdoor area not otherwise licensed where the possession and consumption of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverage (CMB) is allowed pursuant to a common consumption area permit. The boundaries of any common consumption area must be clearly marked using a physical barrier or other apparent line of demarcation.

Kansas Department of Revenue’s website excerpt

According to Manhattan city staff, CCA’s would be better for the community than special events because streets would be able to stay open and bars are not responsible for any liquor liabilities.

“We’ve been trying to create a regional center out of Manhattan, have a regional draw, I think this [CCA] is just another enhancement of that,” Gina Snyder, Downtown Manhattan Executive Director said in the city commission meeting.

“We could have a great event [with] a lot of people and at the end of the night we didn’t make any money because their insurance was so high,” Dennis Cook, Aggieville Business Association said. “So this will help streamline all of that for us. We have been actively asking for the city to get caught up to other cities in the state.”

Some commissioners voiced concerns about underage drinking, public nuisance and liability issues, while others say it would boost tourism and bring in more tax dollars. City staff suggests the commission work to collaborate with the Riley County Police Department, establish work groups with local businesses to present detailed recommendations and get initial input from the commission to further the CCA discussion.

The commission did not make a decision, but plans work closely with Riley County police and local businesses to determine next steps. Earlier this year, Topeka created two areas where CCA’s are allowed.

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