Public drinking will soon be allowed in a designated area in downtown Roanoke

The Summer Refreshment Zone will be in effect from June 10 to July 31

(Taj Simmons, WSLS 2020)

ROANOKE, Va. – People will soon be able to drink outdoors in certain areas of downtown Roanoke.

Starting June 10, people 21 and older will be able to buy an alcoholic beverage from one of the participating businesses in downtown Roanoke and roam outside within the Summer Refreshment Zone. Participating businesses include:

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  • Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
  • Caribbica Soul
  • Cabo Fish Taco
  • Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen and Brewery
  • Benny Marconi’s
  • Table 50
  • Alejandro’s Mexican Grill
  • Wok N Roll Kitchen
  • Forks in the Market
  • Cedars Lebanese Restaurant
  • Shishka Mediterranean Grill and Hookah Bar

Public drinking will be allowed in the designated area from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday up until July 31.

The drink must be in a labeled cup that shows where it was purchased from and properly disposed of within the designated zone.

The zone starts at the Center in the Square parking garage on Campbell Avenue, will continue to Williamson Road, then run to Market Street from Salem Avenue to Church Avenue and Wall Street from Salem Avenue to Campbell Avenue. Here’s a look at the zone on a map:

The zone starts at the Center in the Square parking garage on Campbell Avenue, will continue to Williamson Road, then run to Market Street from Salem Avenue to Church Avenue and Wall Street from Salem Avenue to Campbell Avenue. Here’s a look at the zone on a map: (Google Maps)

Visitors are asked to dispose of their drinks before entering other bars or restaurants that also serve alcohol.

Make sure to check a store’s sign to see if it allows alcoholic beverages inside.


About the Author

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.