Lawrence approves temporary alcohol sales for World Cup watch parties

The Lawrence City Commission on June 26 adopted a resolution authorizing the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol in the public right‑of‑way to permit street watch‑party events for U.S. and Algerian matches in the World Cup, and the measure passed 4–0.

Brandon, a city staff member who presented the measure, told the commission the resolution is needed so the city can legally host and manage several watch‑party events and that "staff can take care of the rest of the permitting and authorizations, which is why we call the special meeting, because our next commission meeting is July 7, and that's too long to wait." He recommended the commission adopt the resolution so staff can complete permits ahead of upcoming matches.

A member of the public, Steven Watts, said he "fully support[s] the idea" of permitting watch parties and urged the city to consider capturing revenue from alcohol sales. Watts said, "ethanol is a drug" and suggested creating a taxable district downtown so the city could use proceeds to support housing and other needs. Commissioners did not take formal action on Watts's tax suggestion during the meeting.

The motion to adopt "resolution number 7600And87" was recorded in the meeting as made by Vice Mayor Courtney and seconded by Commissioner Pulling; the presiding officer called for ayes and announced the motion "passes 4 to 0." The commission directed staff to proceed with the permitting and other authorizations needed to hold the events. Brandon confirmed events would only be scheduled "in the event that they're still playing." The meeting then moved to adjournment.