CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The main topic of discussion at the “Here to Serve” meeting Tuesday in Charleston were on the future designated spots for the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Tuesday was the first day that eligible Charleston businesses could fill out an application to participate in the new Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA). The city is referring to the idea as the “Capital City Sip-N-Stroll.”
An ordinance was passed by Charleston City Council on October 2 to allow for council members to create four PODA districts throughout the city as well as set forth the rules and regulations for participating businesses in the PODA. City officials are asking for businesses who are within the PODA, wish to participate and have filled out an application to submit the application by Friday, November 3.
General Manager of Black Sheep Burritos and Brews and President of the Downtown Charleston Association said he’s not the only downtown business excited about the PODAs.
“Every bar and restaurant in downtown Charleston wants to be involved,” Madison said Tuesday at the “Here to Serve” meeting, which was at the Kanawha County Public Library.
Representatives from Fife Street Brewing, Short Story Brewing and Adelphia were at the meeting.
The city must approve the application first before a business can move on to obtaining their West Virginia ABC license. Madison said it was a good move by the city to follow suit with Huntington, who was the first city to implement PODAs in West Virginia.
“It makes us more competitive with similar markets across the country that have already had this program in place for years,” said Madison.
Representatives from Fife Street Brewing, Short Story Brewing and Adelphia were at the meeting. Madison said he and those downtown businesses are ready for this idea to take off.
“We just want to be more competitive and make Charleston more inviting,” Madison said.
The City of Charleston believes there are a multitude of benefits of having a PODA in the city. They expect the city to attract more visitors to their businesses and restaurants downtown and increase the amount of time those visitors spend downtown. They also believe the “Capital City Sip-N-Stroll” will create a more unique visitor experience.
Mark Chatfield, who owns Ristorante Abruzzi and Charleston Bread, said he made sure to attend the “Here to Serve” meeting to get some questions answered about how his business could fair since it is within a PODA.
“I’m curious as to how this will impact my business,” Chatfield said. “If people come into my restaurant and want a cup, I want to know what the rules are.”
Participating restaurants must also have a current private club liquor license to be considered for the PODA.