The Downtown Investment Authority wants the city to allow open consumption of alcoholic beverages along the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks.
Resolution 2023-10-06 will be considered by the DIA Strategic Implementation Committee at 1 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Lynwood Roberts Room at City Hall.
The resolution states that DIA, acting as the Downtown Economic Development Agency, supports creating a “Jacksonville Riverwalk Specialty Center” comprising the Northbank and Southside Riverwalks together with adjoining public and privately held parcels and their respective development, for the purposes of permitting open-container alcohol consumption along the Riverwalks, subject to certain conditions:
• Alcoholic beverages would be consumed in approved containers, specifically a plastic cup that bears the Jacksonville Riverwalk logo, is no larger than 16 ounces and is approved by the city for sale and use in the Jacksonville Riverwalk Specialty Center.
• Possession would be limited to no more than two approved containers per person.
• Open containers would not be allowed in public parks unless a special event permit allowing alcoholic beverages is issued for an event by the city.
• Open containers of alcoholic beverages purchased outside the specialty center would not be allowed.
The resolution states that creating the specialty center would “allow patrons the opportunity to purchase alcoholic drinks at designated locations along the Riverwalks and enjoy imbibing their beverages as they stroll along the St. Johns River, taking in all the beauty that Jacksonville has to offer.”
Another benefit, the resolution states, is “the creation of the Jacksonville Riverwalk Specialty Center will attract patrons and increase economic activity to the Downtown area, which will bestow benefit upon both visitors and residents.”
After approval by the committee, the resolution will be considered by the DIA board of directors at a future meeting.