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Wichita council expands Delano common‑consumption area to daily hours
Summary
The Wichita City Council voted 7–0 to expand Delano's common‑consumption area from two days a week to seven, allowing licensed vendors to participate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting Feb. 1; staff said no commercial insurance carrier was identified and the city will absorb liability through its self‑insured fund.
The Wichita City Council on Jan. 20 approved a resolution to expand the Delano common‑consumption area from Fridays and Saturdays to seven days a week, permitting sealed alcoholic beverages purchased at participating establishments to be consumed in the designated public footprint from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., effective Feb. 1.
Isaac Under‑Haskins of the Department of Park and Recreation told the council that the map of the consumption area will not change and the change is limited to operating days: "The map itself will not be changing. We'll just be expanding it from 2 days to 7 days a week," he said. He added that staff expects only minor sign updates and no direct budgetary impact outside potential legal liability.
The expansion drew practical questions about liability and enforcement. Council Member Johnston asked whether the city had located an insurance policy to cover the program and was told no carrier had been identified; Under‑Haskins confirmed the city would instead rely on its self‑insured fund. "Self insured," he said when asked directly. Vice Mayor Dalton Glasscock, who represents the Delano area and co‑sponsored the item, said he had not heard negative feedback from the Delano Business Association or neighborhood groups and that the pilot had been successful.
Council and staff clarified operational details: participating vendors must file applications with the state and city and the program allows certain catered special events to participate. Under‑Haskins listed eight participating providers, including Monarch, Wichita Brewing Company, Picasso's Pizzeria, Manhattan Brewing Company, Good Taps and the Ballpark; the Ballpark will allow its own concessions to carry into the footprint but is not expected to permit outside vendors to bring liquor into the stadium.
The resolution passed unanimously, 7–0. Council members noted the item would remain subject to renewal and that the program was originally a pilot due to expire Sept. 4 — the council said they would renew ahead of that date if appropriate. The council did not receive public comment on the item at the meeting.
Next steps include implementation logistics (signage updates and administrative filing) and continued coordination with Wichita Police on enforcement and safety. The council directed staff to proceed with the resolution and to report back if any operational issues arise.
