A decal at Fifth and Market streets in downtown Parkersburg marks the end of the PODA zone, beyond which alcoholic beverages cannot be taken. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

PARKERSBURG — Starting Friday, patrons of downtown businesses will be able to carry and drink permitted alcoholic beverages in marked cups along a six-and-a-half-block stretch of Market Street at certain times.

The City of Parkersburg announced its Private Outdoor Designated Area will officially launch on Friday.

Allowed under a 2023 law enacted by the West Virginia Legislature, PODAs consist of public property designated by ordinance for the legal consumption of liquor, wine and nonintoxicating beers. Parkersburg’s stretches along Market Street from Third to Ninth-and-a-Half Street.

Anyone age 21 or older can purchase a permitted drink in a specific cup from one of the three merchants with a permit to sell them and consume them outdoors, according to the city’s release. The area would be in operation from 4-11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 31.

A permit for a fourth vendor is pending.

A decal at Fifth and Market streets in downtown Parkersburg marks the end of the PODA zone, beyond which alcoholic beverages cannot be taken. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

“This initiative was born of outreach from downtown merchants asking that we consider this for our central business district,” Mayor Tom Joyce said. “We want our central business businesses to flourish, and I believe the city’s role is to create opportunities to enhance the environment to make better opportunities for dining, recreation and the arts.”

Drinks cannot be carried beyond the border of the area, as designated by decals on sidewalks leading off of Market Street

“We believe that the Market Street PODA will yield three key benefits for our community: attracting more people to our downtown, encouraging longer stays and fostering a vibrant atmosphere,” Development Director Ryan Barber said.

The area goes into effect after Saturday’s Taste of Parkersburg, but it will not conflict with similar events that serve alcohol, Barber said. A change in legislation this year would allow them to work in conjunction, with events having the option of selling approved PODA cups, he said.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com