The Jacksonville City Council has overwhelmingly approved a new ordinance allowing bars in part of the city to serve alcohol beyond the traditional 2 a.m. cutoff.
Council members voted 17-1, with Mike Gay opposed, to create a new Downtown Entertainment District where bars can serve alcohol until 3 a.m. each day if they choose.
It spans from the Sports & Entertainment District to the North Core and Central Core.
The goal of the new ordinance is to promote business downtown and centralize entertainment, retail and restaurant usage in that area. Within the district are some of the city’s biggest attractions, including EverBank Stadium, the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena and other late-night venues.
While some may wish 3 a.m. was the cutoff throughout the city, the confinement of the extended alcohol sales to one area is intended to “conserve public safety resources and reduce public nuisances and crime,” the ordinance summary reads.
The ordinance was introduced by District 11 City Council Member Raul Arias.
“This is a bold step forward for our city, one that has never been done before. It reflects how far Jacksonville has come and our continued commitment to building a vibrant, competitive downtown that positions us as a major city not just in Florida, but across the country,” Arias said in a statement to First Coast News Tuesday night.
“This was not a decision made lightly. Over the past several months, I met with community stakeholders including the JAX Chamber, Downtown Investment Authority (DIA), and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association to ensure concerns were addressed and collaboration was prioritized. Each organization expressed support, including written letters backing the legislation.”
The ordinance is set to take effect on March 10, or earlier with the mayor’s signature.