ORD-MC Amend Sec 154.301 (Hours of Operation), Pt 3 (Hours of Sale), Ch 154 (Alcoholic Beverages), Ord Code, to Exclude Establishments Under Ch 154, Pt 5, Ord Code; Creating a New Pt 5 (Downtown Entertainment District), Ch 154, Ord Code, to Define a Downtown Entertainment Dist; Prov for Codification Instructions (Reingold) (Introduced by Arias) 1/27/26 CO Introduced: NCSPHS, R 2/2/26 NCSPHS Read 2nd & Rerefer 2/2/26 R Read 2nd & Rerefer 2/10/26 CO PH Read 2nd & Rerefer 2/17/26 NCSPHS Amend/Approve 6-1 (Gay) 2/17/26 R Amend/Approve 5-1 (Gay) 2/24/26 CO Amend/Approve 17-1 (Gay) Public Hearing Pursuant to Ch 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 2/10/26

This ordinance establishes a Downtown Entertainment District in Jacksonville, allowing establishments within this defined area to extend their hours for the sale, consumption, and service of alcoholic beverages from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. This change aims to promote downtown vitality, centralize entertainment, and potentially conserve public safety resources by concentrating late-night activity.

Key Provisions:

• Extended Hours: Licensed establishments within the Downtown Entertainment District can serve alcohol until 3:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday.
• District Boundaries: The district encompasses the NorthCore/Church, Central Core, and Sports and Entertainment Districts, with specific street boundaries defined in the ordinance.
• Exclusion from General Hours: Establishments within this new district are excluded from the general city-wide hours of operation (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.) for alcohol sales.

Fiscal Impact: The ordinance is estimated to impact approximately 63 restaurants and bars and is not expected to incur direct compliance costs for businesses or additional regulatory costs for the City. The City anticipates no fiscal impact.

Legislative History: Introduced by Council Member Arias, the ordinance underwent amendments in the Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety (NCSPHS) Committee and the Rules Committee, which included refinements to language and the inclusion of the Brooklyn District within the broader downtown area. It was approved by various committees and ultimately by the City Council.