MARTINSBURG – In an effort to boost local businesses, the City of Martinsburg is looking to create a designated area downtown for alcohol to be allowed in public areas.

The area, also known as a Private Outdoor Designated Area, or PODA District, would allow patrons at downtown establishments to get a drink to go, explore downtown and bring it inside participating businesses.

Martinsburg would be following in the footsteps of other cities throughout the state, including Morgantown, Charleston and Huntington, who have already created PODAs.

The proposed district would include part of King Street, ending near The Garage on King, as well as Queen Street, ending near the library. It would include places like the Martinsburg Roundhouse and a future brewery planned in the city further down Queen Street.

The plan’s writers originally included the possibility of including trails that go through Martinsburg, such as Frog Hollow Trail, but that idea was quickly rejected by the council and won’t be included in a future proposal.

According to City Manager Andy Blake, other cities that have established PODA Districts have seen an increase in foot traffic into local businesses, as well as an increase in sales. The idea is that rather than sitting inside with a drink, people can stroll the business district and the historic district. A PODA District would also make it easier to host events where alcohol is involved.

“We’ve seen it in action. I’ve talked to other mayors, and they’re not seeing problems,” Martinsburg Mayor Kevin Knowles said.

While Martinsburg Chief of Police Erin Gibbons was not in attendance during the meeting, Blake said that in conversations, there have been no red flags raised. A survey of local business owners put out by Main Street Martinsburg indicated that many of them would be interested in the district being put forward.

Thanks to state legislation passed in 2023, the area would come with a few rules for participating businesses, namely that businesses can only sell PODA drinks during designated hours and out of approved containers — no larger than 18 ounces and made of clear plastic. Businesses would also be required to display a decal indicating if they’ve opted into the PODA or not. Businesses are also not allowed to refill PODA cups and must have an ABCA S4 license.

For patrons, the rules would ask that they keep to inside the PODA’s boundaries while drinking and drink responsibly. Intoxicated individuals may be asked to leave the area by security or law enforcement.

The council unanimously agreed to authorize the district’s development, with a revised plan to be presented in the near future.