Council asks staff to study MVTA circulator request to allow drinks on Canterbury social-district bus

Councilor Whiting told the Shakopee council Jan. 20 that the MVTA (Metropolitan Transit) has asked for city guidance on allowing riders to carry alcoholic beverages on a proposed circulator trolley that would operate within the Canterbury social district during events.

Whiting said the circulator is intended to provide safe, free transport among parking lots, venues and businesses during events and that MVTA is working with Live Nation, Canterbury Park and local businesses. He said the change would require an amendment to state statute that currently bars alcoholic beverages on public transit, and MVTA would pursue lobbying with local support if the council endorses the idea.

Councilors discussed practical issues such as signage, cups/garbage receptacles on buses, hours when social-district rules apply and the limits of the circulator’s route (Whiting said the circulator would operate inside the Canterbury district for event nights rather than travel between separate districts). Staff and the mayor recommended having police and staff review public-safety and operational guidelines and provide a recommendation to council.

Why it matters: Allowing drinks on a circulator could affect public-safety planning, signage and enforcement and requires a state-law change before it could be implemented on MVTA vehicles.

What’s next: Council asked staff to take a closer look and return with recommendations, including input from public safety.