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McKinney City Council amended the city’s code of ordinances June 2 to allow open alcohol in public places.
The goal of the amendment, officials said, is to provide another option to help businesses affected by COVID-19.
In April, Gov. Greg Abbott said establishments with the proper license can continue offering to-go alcoholic beverages.
“From what I hear from Texans, we may just let this keep on going forever,” Abbott said in an April 28 tweet.
Allowing open containers benefits tourism and entertainment, according to meeting documents. These open containers can be brought to future events the city holds. It also helps businesses selling alcohol who have been affected by COVID-19, said Amy Rosenthal, McKinney Main Street Program director.
With the amended ordinance, any person of legal age can possess an open container and consume any alcoholic beverage in a public place in McKinney, per meeting documents.
There are exceptions to this ordinance, however. Alcohol consumption continues to be prohibited at city facilities, parking garages, parks and park facilities. However, alcohol can be consumed at venues and locations, including the McKinney Performing Arts Center, StarCenter Area, McKinney National Airport and McKinney recreation centers, if a permit is obtained for events at these locations.
The ordinance can be found at this link.
