The "Go Cup" ordinance in Meridian sees a positive response after being in effect since January

An update on the "go cup" ordinance in Meridian, that officially went into effect in January this year, allowing people to take their alcoholic beverages “to go” as they walk around a designated area downtown.

The "go cup" ordinance is one of the city’s initiatives to draw attention to the arts and entertainment district in downtown Meridian. According to community development director, Laura Carmichael, since the ordinance went into effect 10 months ago, many people have visited the “go cup district” when the ordinance is active on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

“It’s really just a means for us to encourage people to walk around downtown and see what we have to offer. visit other businesses and so its been really good. I know with COVID, there’s been a little less activity may per se, but hopefully soon, that things will be able to pick back up and we’ll be able to set our festivals back up. So, it really encourages –you know, the quality of life and being able to have a cup with you as you walk around downtown,” said Laura Carmichael, Community Development Director.

The city of Meridian expects more people to take advantage of the “go cup” ordinance once the construction of the Threefoot Brewery and the Threefoot Building in downtown are complete.