Three stories from last week worth more consideration Our view Poring over beverage board The Abilene City Council voted Thursday to create a board to study the feasibility of off-premise consumption of alcohol in specific downtown areas. This would apply to the downtown area on the north side and the emerging South of Downtown Abilene (SoDA) District. The idea is to allow people to purchase a beverage, then be allowed to take it with them — but within a certain area. The seven-person board is tasked with making a recommendation to the council, which has final say. Concern has been raised about excessive consumption and littering.