First Friday Safety Concerns Prompt Manassas Official Response, Pavilion Curfew

Crime & Safety

First Friday Safety Concerns Prompt Manassas Official Response, Pavilion Curfew Amid concerns about First Fridays, officials are reminding residents of the rules regarding on-street alcohol drinking and more.

MANASSAS, VA — First Fridays, a downtown block party with on-street consumption of alcohol, has prompted a response from Manassas officials working to curb concerns.

Potomac Local first reported concerns at First Fridays about underage drinking, outside alcohol, public safety, traffic and more, prompting a City Council review of the downtown event . Hosted on the first Friday of the month from February to November, First Fridays involve closing downtown streets to vehicular traffic and allowing adult alcohol consumption in designated areas.

On Friday, Interim City Manager and Police Chief Doug Keen released a video response with business owners reminding the public of First Friday rules.

" First Fridays were designed as a family friendly event to get our community to come together in Old Town," said Keen. "With that came a Virginia ABC permit that allowed for on street consumption of alcohol, as long as it was purchased from one of our retailers."

On-street alcohol consumption is allowed through Virginia ABC's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas program. A license is granted to let attendees 21 and older buy alcohol from designated businesses to enjoy in the permitted outdoor area. In Manassas, that is select parts of Center Street, Church Street and more downtown streets only during First Friday events.

But that license could be at risk if the restrictions aren't followed.

"We're here supporting each other with these rules to make sure you, our customers and our community, understand the rules," said Keen. "And we need your help so we as a city don't stand the chance to lose that important permit of allowing on-street street consumption of alcohol, also known as [Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas]."

According to Keen, outside alcohol and outside alcohol cups are not allowed at the event. Attendees can only have alcoholic beverages purchased from a participating business in a plastic cup with the business logo.

One new change at First Fridays is the closing of the Harris Pavilion after 10 p.m. New signage and improved lighting has been added to help officers monitors the area better.

"If you're there after 10 o'clock, you could be charged for trespassing," Keen said.

On-street alcohol sales at First Fridays end at 10 p.m., with last call beginning at 9:30 p.m. On-street alcohol consumption must end by 11 p.m. Bands will also conclude performances by 10 p.m., and the bands and their equipment will be off the streets by 10:30 p.m.

The remaining First Friday events in 2024 are Friday, Oct. 4 and Friday, Nov. 1.