Aransas Pass considers a ‘Sip and Stroll’ ordinance to boost downtown business and counter declining sales tax revenue.

ARANSAS PASS, Texas — A new proposed ordinance in Aransas Pass is getting people talking.

“Sip and Stroll” is a plan that would allow people to drink alcohol during specific hours while shopping around downtown. 

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The owner of Pook’s Pub Crystal Gauthreaux which opened its doors four years ago in Downtown Aransas Pass—marking the first bar in the area in many years. 

“The businesses used to be really booming when the shrimping industry was heavy here and when that went away, so did the businesses so it’s been a struggle to get businesses back but it’s slowly coming but there needs to be something a little more to give people that extra push to wanna invest down here,” Gauthreaux said.

That’s when the “Sip and Stroll” ordinance was presented.

Aransas Pass City Council Member Place #1 Ruth Camarillo Smith said it’s a 12 month trial with safety precautions such as TABC licensed businesses, non-glass cups, certain hours and enforcement

“The hours are very limited. It’s from 11 to 6 is what kind of we’re talking about, of course it’s a draft ordinance, it’s not finalized. We’re giving the public plenty of time to come and comment, the businesses as well,” Smith said.

She said the city needs something like this. 

“Unfortunately, recently we learned that Aransas Pass has had a decrease in sales tax revenue pretty much every month for 2025, and it’s time to do something,” Smith said.

Gauthreaux believes “Sip and Stroll” will be a gamer-changer.

“When I first heard about the sip and stroll, I was really excited. We need to incentivize businesses to come down here to downtown. We’ve made improvements. Our neighbors have made improvements, but we’re really excited just to get more people. Interested in investing in downtown,” Gauthreaux said.

But others like former Mayor Karen Gayle have concerns.

“I grew up in this town and — there were — bars downtown and of course they followed their rules and regulations at that time, but it was not safe for a woman or a child to be in the downtown area unsupervised because people coming and going out of the liquor establishments,” Gayle said.

Smith said although the city has yet to pass it, she hopes it goes through. 

“We looked at all the Texas cities that are doing it and — we’re not reinventing the wheel, it’s already being done and it’s successful and so there’s places and people that are doing it. Recently I reached out to Beeville they’re doing it and this is just something successful we can do for our city,” Smith said.

Smith said there will be another council meeting and encourages residents to voice their thoughts about the ordinance.