Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA)

The Morgantown Mile

In 2023, the West Virginia Legislature enabled cities to create Private Outdoor Designated Areas, or PODAs, through Senate Bill 534. In 2024, the City of Morgantown adopted an ordinance establishing its own PODA, dubbed the Morgantown Mile. 

During PODA operating hours, you can grab a to-go drink in a designated PODA to-go cup (a clear cup with the PODA logo) and explore the downtown and Wharf area with your friends after dinner or before an event. Operating hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends.

Any business not listed on the map is assumed not to allow PODA beverages on its premises.


PODA-Licensed Establishments

  • 123 Pleasant St., 123 Pleasant St.
  • 48 Donley, 48 Donley St.
  • Almost Heaven Bar & Grill, 374 High St.
  • Apothecary Ale House, 227 Spruce St.
  • Gibbie's Pub & Eatery, 368 High St.
  • Iron Horse Tavern, 140 High St.
  • Levels Arcade & Bar, 228 Walnut St.
  • Morgantown Art Bar, 268 High St.
  • Pour Choices Pub & Grub, 227 Chestnut St.

Participating Businesses

  • Appalachian Gallery, 270 Walnut St.        
  • Buddy’s Bud Co., 444 High St.
  • Crescent Frame Shoppe, 116 High St.
  • Cool Ridge Morgantown, 157 Walnut St.    
  • Euphorbia by Hoot & Howl, 243 Walnut St.   
  • Hoot & Howl, 245 Walnut St.
  • Mills Group LLC, 88 High St.
  • Monongalia Arts Center, 107 High St.
  • Morgantown Art Party, 218 Walnut St.
  • Morgantown History Museum, 175 Kirk St.
  • Old School, 360 High St.
  • Optical 101 LLC, 499 High St.
  • Pathfinder of WV, 235 High St.            
  • River Fair Trade, 316 High St.
  • Smoke Zone Smoke Shop, 407 High St.        
  • Tanner’s Alley Leather, 416 High St.
  • Top Tier, 322 High St.
  • White Musical Instruments, 198 Foundry St.


PODA Business


Rules and Regulations

Businesses participating in Private Outdoor Designated Areas (PODAs) in Morgantown must adhere to specific rules and guidelines to ensure compliance and a smooth operation within the designated public spaces. Here are some key rules for participating businesses:

  1. Sale of PODA Beverages: Businesses can only sell PODA beverages during authorized days and hours specified by the city. 
  2. Approved Containers: Alcoholic beverages that will be taken off premises in the PODA must be served in approved PODA cups that include the PODA logo, are no larger than 18 ounces, and are made of clear plastic or similar non-glass material. Businesses may not obtain PODA cups until after receiving an ABCA Class S4 permit and City approval.
  3. Display of Decals: Businesses welcoming or not welcoming PODA beverages may display specific decals in their windows. Green decals indicate businesses that permit PODA beverages, while red decals signify businesses where PODA beverages are not allowed.  Decals are available by contacting the City at PODA@morgantownwv.gov.
  4. Refilling of Cups: Businesses are not allowed to refill PODA beverage cups. Patrons must visit a PODA-licensed establishment to purchase another beverage.  PODA cups are single use only.
  5. Compliance and Licenses: Businesses selling alcohol within a PODA must have a current qualifying ABCA S4 license, be in good standing with the City regarding taxes, fees, licenses, and permits, and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
  6. Restroom Facilities and Waste Receptacles: Approved PODA-licensed establishments are responsible for providing adequate restroom facilities for patrons and making waste receptacles available during operating hours.
  7. Boundary Respect: Patrons are required to respect the boundaries of the PODA, which are clearly marked with signage. Consumption of alcoholic beverages outside of licensed restaurants and bars may only occur within the designated area.
  8. Responsible Consumption: Patrons are expected to consume alcohol responsibly while in the PODA. Intoxicated individuals may be asked to leave the area by security personnel or law enforcement.
  9. Disposal of Containers: Empty containers from alcoholic beverages must be disposed of properly in designated receptacles within the PODA area. PODA cups should be dispose of in a way that ensures they will not be reused, by placing them in a receptacle with a cover and/or crushing or tearing the cup to prevent reuse.
  10. Compliance with Laws: All patrons must comply with federal, state, and local laws regarding alcohol consumption while in a PODA. Any violations may result in penalties or removal from the area.
  11. Security Measures: Businesses operating within a PODA must have an approved security plan in place to ensure the safety of patrons and compliance with regulations.
  12. Contact Information:  For more information or to request a permit application or decal, email PODA@morgantownwv.gov.

Signage


Green Decal

  • Green Decal - indicates a retail or service establishment permits PODA beverages to enter.

Blue Decal

  • Blue Decal - indicates an establishment licensed to serve PODA beverages.

Red Decal

  • Red Decal – indicates no PODA beverages are permitted on the establishment’s premises.
  • No Decal - indicates no PODA beverages are permitted / not a participating PODA business.



PODA Sticker


Example of a PODA sticker.

PODA Cup

Example of a PODA to-go cup.


PODA Street Sign

Example of a PODA street sign.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the benefits of having a PODA in Morgantown? Having a PODA has the potential to: 1.) Increase visitors to restaurants and bars; 2.) Increase the time visitors spend in the area; 3.) Increase retail sales; and 4.) Adds to the unique visitor experience. Additional benefits to the PODA also include encouraging people to move about the PODA area.  Rather than sitting inside, people strolling the business district adds a sense of a more vibrant community.  It also affords an opportunity to explore other businesses and lends itself to planned events.

I am a business with a location in Morgantown’s PODA, where do I find more information? Please consult the Morgantown Mile webpage or email PODA@morgantownwv.gov for more information. If you'd like to designate your preferences as it pertains to the permission of PODA beverages in your establishment, please complete this form.

How will I know the PODA boundaries?  PODA boundaries are marked with signs. PODA beverages must stay within PODA boundaries. Leaving the PODA with an alcoholic beverage is a violation of law, so please observe the signs and obey pedestrian laws.

Can I take my PODA beverages anywhere in the PODA? PODA beverages in an approved PODA cup may be taken into businesses that display the official green “Morgantown Mile Beverages Welcome” decal in their window. PODA cups/beverages must be disposed of before exiting the PODA and/or entering a business that displays the official red “Morgantown Mile Please, No Beverages” or no official PODA signage.

Can I use my own cup in the PODA?  No. Beverages must be in an approved PODA cup purchased from a licensed, participating PODA establishment.

Can I bring my own alcohol in the PODA? No. Beverages must be purchased from a licensed, participating PODA establishment in an approved PODA cup.

 Is the Morgantown Mile really a mile? Yes! The total length of Morgantown’s PODA is equal to one mile, hence the name “Morgantown Mile.”

How to Become a PODA-Licensed Establishment

If you own and/or operate a bar within Morgantown Mile boundaries, you have the opportunity to serve PODA beverages. In order to start serving PODA beverages:

  • Step 1: Apply - Complete the City of Morgantown's PODA application and submit to PODA@morgantownwv.gov. Your application must be approved in order to be eligible for Morgantown's PODA. 
  • Step 2: Review Committee - Consult with the PODA Review Committee to obtain conditional approval.
  • Step 3: Conditional Approval - Receive a temporary operational license until final approval is obtained.
  • Step 4: ABCA Application - Complete and submit a PODA application through the West Virginia ABCA’s office. The ABCA must approve your application in order to be eligible for Morgantown’s PODA.
  • Step 5: Final approval - After receiving your S4 license from the ABCA, it must be submitted to the City of Morgantown for final approval. Once final approval is received, PODA-approved cups and decals will be supplied by the City of Morgantown.

How to Become a Participating Business

If you own and/or operate a business within Morgantown Mile boundaries, you have the option to: 

  1. Allow PODA beverages within your establishment, or
  2. Forbid PODA beverages in your establishment

Please complete this form to designate your preferences.

Related Documents

  1. PODA Hours Extended - Great Race June 24, 2024