The city of Emporia’s Common Consumption Area (CCA) has been active for nearly a year now and thus far, local law enforcement and city leadership is very pleased with the results.
The CCA was enacted last spring after having been in the discussion phase for two-three years prior. According to an update from Emporia Police Chief Ed Owens to city leadership Wednesday afternoon, the community has embraced the CCA over the last 12 months and has behaved admirably within it, noting that there have been no major incidents related to the CCA directly.
Owens adds he has been and continues to be a supporter of the CCA, noting much of his confidence came from conversations with fellow police chiefs from other communities. Owens adds he has seen an improvement in atmosphere across the downtown corridor since the inception of the CCA on top of benefits for downtown businesses.
City Manager Trey Cocking also commended residents for their responsible actions and behavior within the CCA, noting that leadership is even considering extending the area’s hours within the coming year.
Owens says he would be in favor of extending the CCA’s hours from midnight to 1 am; however, for obvious reasons, he says that’s about as far as he’d be willing to go.
The Common Consumption Area is a section of the downtown corridor that allows people to drink alcoholic beverages both indoors and outdoors while outside participating businesses.
