LEISURE & RECREATION
T H E D I S T R I C T:
S
Dine, Drink, Discover
ince the summer of 2019, a new open container policy allows a portion of downtown to be considered an entertainment destination center known as “The District,” which allows alcoholic beverages on public property during certain permitted special events such as Friday After 5. Patrons at participating businesses are permitted to leave the premise with an alcoholic beverage as long as they use a specially marked 16 oz. cup. Each cup has a list of The District guidelines printed on the side.
“The
District
adds
some
District when it began in 2019, including
attractiveness to our downtown,” said
the
Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock.
Convention Center, Bluegrass Music Hall
“It allows patrons the freedom to get out and discover what downtown Owensboro has to offer.” Hancock
says
the
cups
serve
three purposes. “It allows local law enforcement to know who is carrying a drink in the downtown area. It allows businesses to know who’s participating and who’s not. And third, and most importantly, you have the rules in your hand. It tells you where you can go, what you can do with this cup, and it gives you a website as well to give you the map.” Around
a
establishments
dozen
downtown
participated
in
The
RiverPark
Center,
Owensboro
of Fame and Museum, and participating nearby restaurants. During the first few months of participation, Public Events Coordinator Tim Ross said most participating restaurants and bars saw an increase in sales. The
community
has
responded
positively as well. “The feedback we’re getting from folks being able to get a drink at the patio at Friday After 5, then walk down to a food truck, or another place for dinner and not have to be contained in one spot has been positive,” Ross said.
O
RULES:
Alcoholic beverages are only allowed on public property during designated special events. District cups are never permitted inside: • Lazy Dayz Playground • Shelton Memorial in Smothers Park • Any church property Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a participating business inside the boundaries of The District and will be placed in specially marked cups. Patrons cannot carry cups into another business location. Cups must stay within the boundaries of The District (look for signs that indicate the boundaries of The District)
56
The 2022-23 Greater Owensboro Relocation Guide
