Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed into law two liquor-related bills specific to Jacksonville businesses in the urban core.
One will now allow smaller restaurants to get a liquor license and the other allows certain businesses near EverBank Field to sell alcohol during ticketed events.
San Marco is one of three neighborhoods in the urban core where smaller restaurants can now get a liquor license. Most locals we spoke with say it will make these areas more competitive.
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Restaurants need to have a minimum of 150 seats and a certain amount of square footage to get a full liquor license.
But now thanks to a bill signed into law by Scott, those requirements don’t apply in places like Murray Hill, Springfield and San Marco.
“Heck yeah, liquor should be everywhere,” said San Marco visitor Dymanasia Patel.
Murray Hill visitor John Meeks said the change could give the urban core a much-needed boost.
“It would make the urban core more competitive with the Town Center and other areas in the suburbs,” Meeks said.
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Scott also signed into a law another bill that will would allow businesses in the A. Philip Randolph entertainment district that are licensed to sell alcohol to sell the adult beverages during special events.
Some leaders are applauding the changes as a way to attract more businesses to struggling areas in the urban core.
Meeks said the new laws could give these areas “life”.
“To see more vibrancy and community engagement and also jobs,” Meeks said.
The relaxing of the liquor license laws will also benefit areas of the Southbank and Riverside-Avondale.