CITY CENTER CAPITAL CITY SIP-N-STROLL (PODA) TO GO LIVE FRIDAY AT 4PM
(Charleston, W. Va.) – The City of Charleston’s first Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA) will go live Friday, November 24, 2023 at 4 p.m. during the 3rd Annual Holly Jolly Brawley, hosted by the Downtown Charleston Association.
“While PODA is still a relatively new concept in West Virginia – with Huntington establishing the first PODA in the state – similar concepts are common in other states,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “These designated areas have the potential to increase visitors to our restaurants and local businesses, increase retail sales, and add to the unique visitor experience in Charleston.”
The West Virginia Legislature enabled cities to create Private Outdoor Designated Areas, or PODAs, through Senate Bill 534. Charleston City Council passed Bill No. 8013 Committee Substitute, As Amended at the regular meeting on October 2, 2023. The Bill established four PODA districts: City Center, Bridge Road, Capitol Market, and Elk City.
“Since Council’s passage of this bill, the City has worked closely with the WVABCA towards a speedy but well-planned launch, and worked with downtown businesses who are vastly supportive of the PODA concept,” said City Manager Ben Mishoe.
Outlined below is the information folks will need to know about participating in the City Center Capital City Sip-N-Stroll (PODA). Additional information is available online: https://charlestonwv.gov/poda.
HOURS
At this time, only the City Center Capital City Sip-N-Stroll (PODA) will be turned on. The hours will be Monday – Friday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
SIGNAGE
PODA Districts are marked by boundary signage – both entering the PODA and exiting the PODA. This signage includes a QR code which directs individuals to the PODA website.
In addition, three types of decals will be used by businesses within the PODA District – black, green, and red.
- Black decals (Beverages Sold Here) – indicate an establishment designated to serve PODA beverages.
- Green decal – (Beverages Welcome) – indicate a retail or service establishment permits PODA beverages to enter.
- Red decal (Please, No Beverages) OR no decal – indicates a retail or service establishment that does not permit PODA beverages to enter.
GUIDELINES
PODA beverages must be in an approved PODA cup purchased from a licensed, participating PODA establishment.
Licensed, participating PODA establishments must display the official black “Capital City Sip-N-Stroll, Beverages Sold Here” decal.
The current businesses who have received approval from the City and the PODA permit from the WVABCA are the following:
- Adelphia Sports Bar and Grill
- Black Sheep Burritos and Brews
- Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill
- Fife Street Brewing
- Hale House
- Hale Street Center
- Sam’s Uptown Café
- Vino’s Bar and Grill
- Whiskey Glasses
PODA beverages/cups must stay within PODA District boundaries marked by signage.
PODA beverages may be taken into businesses that display the official green “Capital City Sip-N-Stroll Beverages Welcome” signage (decal) in the window.
PODA beverages/cups must be disposed of before exiting the PODA and/or entering a business that displays the official red “Capital City Sip-N-Stroll Please, No beverages” decal or no official PODA decal.
PODA beverages/cups may not leave the PODA District. Leaving the PODA with an alcoholic beverage is a violation of applicable open container laws.
BUSINESS SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Information specific to businesses within the PODA District is available online at https://www.charlestonwv.gov/poda/business. In addition, businesses within the PODA District with PODA related questions can email PODA@cityofcharleston.org.
