The first location designated an alcohol impact area was Pioneer Square. The designation means the State Liquor Control Board can tighten restrictions on stores, restaurants and taverns that sell alcohol for off-premises consumption.

In addition, businesses in the area will be asked to voluntarily stop sales of cheap malt liquor and fortified wine after midnight. "It probably is not going to get people to stop drinking, but it may get people to seek treatment," said council member Jan Drago.

Some business owners are skeptical about the alcohol restrictions, noting that there are numerous stores that sell cheap liquor within the public transit system's free downtown ride zone.

"My concern is that as long as the missions are around here, the problem is going to always happen around here," said Louis Hur, who runs a market in Pioneer Square. Seattle's missions serve the homeless, alcoholics and drug addicts.

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