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TOPEKA (KSNT) – The City of Topeka has asked the Kansas Legislature to expand the state’s Common Consumption Bill. If passed, it would amend current laws to allow more flexibility in the community.
When the 2023 agenda was put together, the public suggested that the general consumption of alcohol would attract more young people to events downtown and at NOTO.
So the city decided to listen to the people and bring it to the attention of state legislators.
If passed, the city will create an ordinance on how communal consumption areas work. That includes the time of day, location, and participating companies.
Topeka City Attorney Amanda Stanley said, “After speaking with the public and the business community, it will be discussed at the local level by government agencies to determine what works best for us.” They could be in different areas, for example if you want NOTO to be held downtown on a different day than the concert on Thursday night, so there is flexibility to achieve what works best for Topeka. there are a lot of.”
In the past, the owner of NOTO’s Studio 62 Art Bar said strict alcohol laws took a toll on his business.
“People say, ‘Can I take this with me?'” says Cies Smith. “No, you can’t take it home.
If the bill passes the Kansas legislature, Amanda Stanley says it will do more than bring dollars to businesses.
“The economic impact on your entire community,” Stanley said. “If you can host an event, buy food, and walk the streets, you will naturally stay there longer.”
Smith said this creates a great opportunity for the community to support local businesses.
“I think people can jump around bars if we can all work together,” said Smith. “Oh, I’m going to have a drink here and then walk down the road and buy something at The Wheel Barrel or The Northmen.
The bill will go before the Kansas legislature on Tuesday, March 31. If passed, public roads may need to be closed to traffic during times when public consumption is permitted.
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