Cocktail while you shop? What to know about the new Arizona law on alcohol at outdoor malls

Bahar Anooshahr, Arizona Republic
·2 min read
Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix now allows mall patrons to consume alcohol in common pedestrian areas.

In December, The Republic reported on a law, referred to as Sip and Stroll, that would allow mall visitors to purchase a drink at a bar or restaurant and take their tipple outside to watch live music or just walk around. On Jan. 12, the law went into effect.

But it doesn't apply to every mall in the state.

Arizona Revised Statutes, section 4-215 states that in order for a shopping mall to qualify it has to feature 400,000 square feet of retail space and have extensive pedestrian areas. As of now, just two metro Phoenix malls have launched the program.

Which Arizona malls allow outdoor drinking?

Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix started with with Copper Blues Live and has now added five other participating bars and restaurants: Whining Pig Beer & Wine Bar, Spitz Mediterranean, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza and Dave & Buster’s.

Tempe Marketplace has also joined the drink and walk arrangement with five businesses approved to serve alcohol outdoors: Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, Genghis Grill, Dave & Buster’s, Gen Korean BBQ and Harkins Theatres.

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How does Sip and Stroll work?

Once visitors show an ID to purchase their drink, they can request a wrist band to take the beverage to go. The drink will be served in a cup or bag that does not show the bar's name.

With a wrist band and unlabeled beverage, you are free to walk around the outdoor property and enjoy your drink.

Keep in mind, it's Sip and Stroll, not sip and shop. Beverages can only be consumed in common areas on the mall premises.

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Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix malls offer alcohol to-go: What to know about Sip & Stroll law