Changes are coming to common consumption in Delano. Here are the details

Visitors to the Delano neighborhood can walk around with an alcoholic beverage in hand daily starting next month.

Currently, common consumption is only allowed Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Wichita City Council increased the number of days for the year-long pilot at its meeting Tuesday.

“What I’ve heard from businesses is confusion on what days common consumption is available, and so this was a result of talking with businesses in the community,” Wichita City Council member Dalton Glasscock said during the meeting.

Glasscock earlier told the Wichita Eagle that common consumption, which allows visitors to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants and bars along Douglas between McLean and Seneca and down south to Maple, and consume them outside of those establishments, has been popular with visitors.

Signs were placed in the area to indicate where common consumption is allowed. Area businesses will also have signs outside their establishments indicating whether they’re participating in the pilot.

Since the pilot began in September, eight businesses have received a license with the city to participate.

The change comes before the Wichita Wind Surge begin their 2026 baseball season. The ballpark is included in the consumption area, and it’ll allow visitors to leave the stadium with alcohol that’s bought inside.

Drinks from outside of the ballpark will still not be allowed.

“I look forward to this expansion, especially as we lead up to the baseball season and how Delano can continue to be a uniquely vibrant part of our community,” Glasscock said.

As of December, the police department said it had yet to see any major issues since it began, but the city was unable to find an insurance provider to help cover potential claims.

City law said other cities in Kansas with common consumption areas have faced the same issues.

Any claims filed against the city related to common consumption would have to come out of the city’s self insurance fund, according to an agenda report.

“That comes with the territory,” City Law Director Jennifer Magana said. “We are legally responsible for any claims that arise as a result of holding” a state common consumption permit.

This story was originally published January 20, 2026 at 12:14 PM.