Wheeling City Councilman Ty Thorngate (pictured here during a recent meeting) today brought up the possibility of a private outdoor area for alcohol consumption for discussion before the City Council’s Development Committee. (File photo)
WHEELING – Wheeling city officials are exploring the possibility of creating a private outdoor area where pedestrians can carry open containers of alcohol between participating establishments.
Wheeling City Council Development Committee members will meet today at 4 p.m. prior to the regular council meeting at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the issue.
West Virginia law allows for the establishment of such districts – designated areas where patrons can take alcoholic beverages in specially marked containers from participating bars and restaurants to other participating establishments within the county’s boundaries. The initiative was made possible by the West Virginia Legislature last year through Senate Resolution 534 and gives municipalities the ability to establish such districts.
Other major cities in West Virginia have already implemented these Private Outdoor Designated Areas (PODAs).
City Councillor Ty Thorngate brought the proposal forward for discussion in the Development Committee.
“With the potential establishment of a Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA), Wheeling will become a vibrant hub of activity,” Thorngate said. “Thanks to SB 534, our city can now explore this exciting concept that has proven successful in other West Virginia communities such as Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown and Parkersburg.”
Thorngate said participating businesses could see a boost from the creation of such a district.
“Our downtown businesses, which have faced numerous challenges due to COVID-19 and the ongoing Streetscape project, could benefit significantly from a PODA,” he said. “This initiative would create a vibrant atmosphere downtown and encourage both residents and visitors to explore local businesses on foot while enjoying their favorite beverages. By allowing outdoor alcohol consumption in a designated area, we can stimulate economic growth and increase Wheeling’s attractiveness as a dynamic and welcoming place to live, work and visit.”
According to a draft ordinance amending and rewriting a section of the city code relating to “streets, utilities and public services,” the proposed PODA area would include much of downtown Wheeling as well as the area around Centre Market. Proposed hours for the district would be Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the possibility of extending hours at the discretion of the city manager.
Participating establishments must commit to using special cups or other identifiers such as wristbands to identify eligible PODA guests.
This year, West Virginia passed House Bill 5295, which makes changes to the PODA rules, including removing the requirement for participating bars and restaurants to sign a joint liability agreement.
“Two sessions ago, changes to the original PODA legislation regarding community liability were repealed, making PODAs – or DORAs (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas) – more attractive to participating businesses,” said Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron.
City leaders have a busy schedule tonight. In addition to the Development Committee’s discussion of the PODA, the Council’s Rules Committee is scheduled to discuss a proposed amendment to the codified pedestrian and vehicular safety ordinances that would essentially ban panhandling in the city. The Rules Committee is scheduled to meet at 4:30 p.m.
At 5:15 p.m., the City Council Finance Committee will meet to review the city’s financial statement for July.
The regular bi-monthly council meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m., with several new bills to be introduced. On tonight’s agenda are a number of resolutions for grants under the facade improvement program, as well as ordinances for water and sewer projects.
