SALISBURY, Maryland – Downtown Salisbury is raising a glass to something new. This summer, the City is introducing T.A.P.S. – To-go Alcohol in Public Spaces, the first program of its kind in Maryland, allowing adults 21 and over to enjoy to-go alcoholic beverages while strolling through designated areas during select downtown events.
“As we attempt to make Downtown increasingly vibrant and inviting, the T.A.P.S. program will be a great addition to the toolbox to making events and the Downtown restaurants work in tandem. We are very excited for this launch and look forward to a positive result! “
-Mayor Randy Taylor
Here’s how it works: Guests can visit any participating bar or restaurant within the event footprint, look for the T.A.P.S. signage, and ask their server about the program. After an ID check, they’ll receive a wristband along with their drink served in a T.A.P.S.-branded cup. From there, they’re free to sip and stroll within the clearly marked T.A.P.S. boundaries.
To keep things safe and enjoyable, drinks must be purchased from a participating business in the event footprint and served in the official T.A.P.S. cups. Guests aren’t allowed to bring in outside alcohol or cups, and drinks must stay within the designated area – leaving the zone with an alcoholic beverage isn’t permitted and may result in penalties. Additionally, beverages can’t be brought inside other businesses along the route, so visitors are asked to finish or discard their drink before entering another shop, restaurant, or bar.
2025 T.A.P.S. Event Dates
- 3rd Friday: August 15, October 17, November 21 (5pm-8:30pm)
- Maryland Folk Festival: September 19 (5pm-10pm), September 20 (Noon-10pm), September 21 (12:30pm-6:30pm)
- New Year’s Eve: December 31 (9pm-12:30am)
Program organizers hope T.A.P.S. will bring more energy to downtown events, encouraging people to linger, explore, and support local businesses.
For more information about upcoming T.A.P.S. events or to find out how your business can participate, email [email protected].
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