The City Council of Kansas City is currently considering a misguided ban on single-serve alcohol products in certain sections of our city.
This ordinance would remove the most affordable legal options for alcohol from the targeted neighborhoods, while leaving other areas untouched. This policy is unfair. It will hurt the local economy. It will NOT address the real issues of crime and safety. We want solutions, not soundbites.
A ban unfairly targets certain Kansas City neighborhoods and infringes on the residents’ freedoms as consumers. It would eliminate portion control options and force consumers to buy larger sizes at higher costs.
A ban would push single-serving purchases to other neighborhoods, nearby cities, and even across the border into Kansas–in some cases, bringing their entire shopping list along with them. This not only picks winners and losers among retailers within the city, but drives out potential tax revenue.
The city is actually expanding alcohol service hours for the World Cup—making alcohol easier than ever to purchase at all times of day.
Bans will not eliminate problem consumption. Smart, thoughtful investment in supportive programming, business, and the city’s infrastructure is the only real way to improve safety for all Kansas Citians. Let's come together to discuss productive solutions that solve the identified issues.