Morgantown’s PODA launches May 15: What you should know

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — Morgantown’s Public Outdoor Designated Area, the “Morgantown Mile,” goes into effect in one month.

The district was approved in February and allows the consumption of alcoholic beverages outdoors as long as you are inside the PODA district and drinking from an official PODA cup.

With only one more month to go, applications for businesses to be a part of the PODA have opened up, but residents should know some important information before they hit downtown Morgantown on Wednesday, May 15.

Where is it?

You can find a map of Morgantown’s PODA below, but the boundaries of the area will be clearly marked with signs, according to the City of Morgantown’s website. The district encompasses much of downtown Morgantown including High Street, Spruce Street, Pleasant Street and Don Knotts Boulevard, as well as the Wharf District.

How does it work?

Starting May 15, the PODA will be active during the following days and times:

• Monday – Friday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday – Sunday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

During active PODA hours, patrons can purchase to-go drinks from participating locations and drink them in public or at other participating locations, as long they remain inside the PODA district.

Different decals will be displayed on business inside the PODA, telling you if beverages are allowed inside:

• Green Decal – Indicates a retail or service establishment permits PODA beverages to enter.
• Blue Decal – Indicates an establishment licensed to serve PODA beverages.
• Red Decal – Indicates no PODA beverages are permitted on the establishment’s premises.
• No Decal – Indicates no PODA beverages are permitted / not a participating PODA business.

Alcohol sold outside the PODA is not permitted within the designated area. Beverages must be purchased at a participating location and must be served in an official PODA cup. Businesses are also not allowed to refill cups, which are single-use only.

Although the PODA has general hours of operation, it may be active or inactive during certain Morgantown events .

On May 15, Morgantown will be holding a kickoff event starting at 4 p.m. with speakers, a ribbon cutting, and more.

For the full list of rules and regulations or to find out how your business can apply to be a part of the Morgantown Mile, visit the PODA page on the City of Morgantown website .

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