JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new bill proposed by Jacksonville City Council member Raul Arias aimed to expand outdoor dining and drinking options throughout downtown Jacksonville. It’s a move he hoped would transform the area’s entertainment landscape.
The legislation would modify existing rules to allow restaurants, cafés, and bars across all of downtown Jacksonville to offer sidewalk dining and alcohol service, expanding beyond the current limitation to the E-Town area.
“If we’re going to be talking about how we’re a world-class city, one of the best cities in the nation or in Florida at least – we have to act like it,” said Arias, who represents District 11. “Our downtown, our urban core, is our most critical need right now.”
The expanded outdoor dining privileges would come with specific requirements through the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA), including protection measures for pedestrians, vehicle traffic, signage requirements, noise restrictions, and proper licensing for alcohol service.
Arias sees the outdoor dining expansion as one piece of a larger puzzle to revitalize downtown Jacksonville.
“You go to Winter Park, you go to Austin, Texas – you’re walking around and you see all these shops vibrant, full of energy. That’s what you want in downtown,” he said.
The timing aligns with ongoing residential development in the area. “Once we start getting more people moving into downtown, which is happening right now, those people are going to have to go somewhere,” Arias explained. “They’re going to be walking around, and they’ll be able to dine not just indoors but outdoors.”
Several businesses within downtown have said they could see themselves taking advantage of the potential change.
Evan Rijta is a part of the team that has brought DECCA Live to Bay Street. They just recently opened Keane’s Tavern and Irish Pub and have plans to add a bakery. He said the potential change could help make downtown a must-visit destination.
“It will energize a lot of the operators around town that have thought about downtown but have been a little bit on the fence,” he said. “We would be honored if that thing passes. We would love to showcase the sidewalk as a beautiful space.”
Looking ahead, Arias has already begun discussing another potential change for downtown businesses — extending operating hours. He plans to introduce legislation next year that could push the current 2 a.m. curfew to as late as 4 a.m., though he acknowledges a compromise at 3 a.m. might be more achievable.
“An extra hour of sales can be thousands of dollars. You’re also talking about not just bars, but also restaurants, pizza joints that are selling food for people leaving the bars,” he said.
The outdoor dining legislation is expected to go before the full council for a vote next Wednesday. If approved, it would take effect upon receiving the mayor’s signature.
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