Ordinance 260250 establishes targeted limits on cheap, single-serve alcohol sales in neighborhoods with documented public safety concerns
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Council today (Thursday) passed Ordinance 260250, establishing Retail Alcohol Impact Areas in specific neighborhoods where residents have long raised concerns about safety, public disorder, and quality of life. The ordinance was introduced by Mayor Quinton Lucas and Third District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson.
The ordinance places targeted restrictions on certain cheap, quick-consumption alcohol products in designated corridors, including the Prospect Avenue-Southeast, Independence Avenue, Midtown, Central Business District, and Blue Ridge Corridors, where recurring public safety concerns have been documented through community input and public safety data.
“Today's vote is a win for the residents who have been asking us to act for decades,” said Mayor Lucas. “These are common sense, targeted restrictions, and they will make a real difference in neighborhoods that have waited long enough for relief."
Effective 60 days after the ordinance takes effect, retail package license holders within the designated areas (excluding grocery stores) will be prohibited from selling:
- Individual containers of distilled spirits of 200 milliliters (6.8 fl. oz.) or less with an alcohol content of 35% or more, including half-pints, nips, minis, shooters, and airplane bottles; and
- Malt beverages and beer sold in individual containers of 40 ounces or less.
The ordinance does not ban alcohol sales altogether, prohibit single-serve alcohol sold in larger multi-unit packages, or single-out individual stores. Restaurants, taverns, and other on-premises establishments are not affected.
"We listened to our community, we looked at the research, and today we delivered,” said Councilwoman Robinson. “This ordinance is about protecting our neighbors and giving these communities a chance to meet their full potential. I'm proud the Council stood with residents today."
Under the ordinance, the Director of the Multidisciplinary Public Safety Task Force or the Director of Neighborhood Services may periodically recommend modifications to designated areas. The Director of Neighborhood Services will also conduct a review of each designated area every three years to evaluate impacts on public safety, public health, and neighborhood stability.