By Dewey Terrill
Little Apple Post
Manhattan officials will move forward on investigating the nuances, and on discussing possible common consumption area ordinances for the community. Work groups will be formed to look at the idea of establishing a CCA for both downtown and Aggieville.
A CCA allows a person in a defined public zone to possess or consume alcoholic beverages sold elsewhere.
Jason Hilgers, Interim City Manager, noted that there was a consensus to move forward with work groups. Staff will bring summaries and data for the commission in the future.
There was input from the members of the governing body.
Some of the opinions included:
--It has already been worked out if a special event is desired, meaning a CCA would not be necessary
--A CCA could be beneficial for tourism, additional sales tax revenue and businesses could remain open for shopping.
--It could be something nice when you're in a place and you can move around.
-- Disagreement including if someone is physically harmed by drinking and the city is implicated as a permit holder, tort law protects the city so that no claims are eligible that could be problematic.
--Having open carry all day long when restaurants and bars are open is not a good idea.
Representatives from Downtown Manhattan and the Aggieville Business Association addressed the commission.
--In favor of a CCA the cost to set up a special event involves closing streets and in this era volunteers have to be paid.
--The current special event permit process is too costly.
--People could need a wrist band to have a drink.
--It would be good to have a consistent time on scheduled evenings.
There are other cities where CCA's exist. More discussion and study will occur on his issue.