A.G. Gancarski
Two Jacksonville “local bills” regarding alcohol sales and consumption were signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Rick Scott.
Both bills, carried by Rep. Tracie Davis at the request of the Jacksonville City Council, make it easier to drink in public places. One bill: near the stadium. The other: at smaller restaurants in older neighborhoods.
HB 1291 waives open container restrictions on alcoholic beverage consumption within and contiguous to the A. Philip Randolph Entertainment District, “during 15 designated ‘special events’ and any other event designated as ‘special’ by the City Council.”
HB 1293 creates “special zones” in older neighborhoods with smaller commercial buildings, such as Murray Hill, Springfield, and San Marco, to lower the required seating for a restaurant serving liquor from 150 to 100.
“This is commonsense public policy that empowers Jacksonville’s small businesses with more opportunity to engage with a larger pool of customers,” Davis said.
“Special events like theFlorida-Georgia Game and Jaguars games are a big deal in our community that generate a lot of revenue. By allowing more businesses to participate, we are giving them the chance to grow and strengthen our local economy.”
