Common Consumption Area (CCA)

Legal patrons now have the option to participate in the CCA which allows them to enjoy an alcoholic beverages served in a certain area of downtown subject to Kansas State Statue K.S.A. 41-2659 and local City Ordinance No. 2024-04-4610. This downtown CCA district spans north & south from Jefferson to Chestnut Avenues along Summit Street, extending to the east & west alleyways between A Street & 1st Street.  

On April 16, 2024, The City of Arkansas City passed an ordinance, further obtaining a license from the State of Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), establishing a defined Common Consumption Area (CCA) where individuals can possess and consume alcoholic liquor outside of a licensed bar, restaurant or other eligible participating establishment permitted to sell alcoholic beverages by the State of Kansas. Although Common Consumption Areas do not allow individuals to bring their own alcoholic beverages into the district, beverages can be purchased on-premise from a licensed participating establishment with certain hours of operation.  

Boundary Map

Identified area established in the downtown district where legal participants can consume authorized beverages.    

Click to view the a complete copy of the CCA Boundary Map 

Boundary Sign 

Concrete signs used to create and identify the boundary lines. Legal participants are to stay withing the set boundary while consuming. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Common Consumption Area? 

A Common Consumption Area (CCA) is a designated indoor or outdoor area, where individuals (legal participants) can possess and consume alcoholic beverages outside of a licensed bar, restaurant, or other eligible establishment that is permitted to sell alcoholic beverages by the State of Kansas. It is important to note that not every city may have an established CCA.  

This designated CCA allows a properly licensed establishment (licensee) to offer alcohol in a special container on their premises for legal participants to consume outside the licensed establishment within the CCA boundary. CCA permits issued to the licensed establishment are for possession and consumption, not the sale of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverage (CMB). 

Where is the CCA Boundary located in Arkansas City? 

This downtown Common Consumption Area, marked by CCA concrete signs, spans north and south from Jefferson Ave. to Chestnut Ave. along Summit St., extending to the east and west alleyways between A St. & 1st St. 

What are the operating hours of the CCA? 

The CCA is open year-round Monday - Thursday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, then Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, provided a licensed establishment/licensee is participating. 

Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage(s) into the CCA? 

No, only alcoholic beverages purchased at a participating CCA establishment may be consumed. 

Am I allowed to leave the CCA with my alcoholic beverage? 

Participants may not leave the Common Consumption Area with an alcoholic beverage unless it is properly sealed according to state law. 

May I take my beverage from one business to another within the CCA? 

Each business retains the discretion to allow patrons to carry outside drinks purchased from another location into their place of business. The CCA only allows for drinks to be removed from a licensed establishment. 

How will law enforcement and others know I'm following the rules? 

Each participant must be issued and wear a wrist band while participating in the CCA issued from a participating establishment/licensee. All alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage purchased from the licensee authorized to participate in the CCA shall be served in a plastic container displaying the licensees name, logo or other identifying mark unique to the establishment/licensee. 

How can my business get licensed to participate in the CCA? 

If the business located within or adjacent to the established CCA holds a valid on-premise license issued by the State of Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and valid City of Arkansas City, KS Drinking Establishment License, On-Premise CMB License or is a Temporary Permit holder, then you are eligible to apply to participate in the CCA. To apply, submit form ABC-838 to the State of Kansas ABC for approval by applying online at ABC Online - Kansas Login (ksabconline.gov). Once approved by ABC, email or submit a copy of the approved ABC-838 form to the Arkansas City Clerk's Office to tparsons@arkansascityks.gov or 118 W. Central Ave. Arkansas City, KS 67005. All licenses must be posted in a conspicuous place onsite both at the licensed establishment and one non-contiguous service area. 

Where can I find out more Information about the CCA?

The Kansas Department of Revenue Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), has a Handbook for Common Consuption Area Permit available at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/abchbcomconsumption.html.