Mayor Kriseman has long sought to update St. Pete’s Blue Laws — the hours when alcohol sales are permitted. On March 7, the Pinellas County Commission, at the request of Mayor Kriseman and the council of mayors, passed an ordinance revising our area’s blue laws.
Ordinance prohibits liquor sales between 3am and 8am
The ordinance disallows liquor sales between 3am and 8am only, which means businesses and grocery stores will soon be able to sell alcohol on Sunday mornings. The ordinance is now in full effect. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a Sunday morning libation on Beach Drive or downtown, you no longer have to wait.
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Previously, if you were to visit any of the brunch hotspots on Beach Drive or downtown on a Sunday, you couldn’t enjoy a craft cocktail or a mimosa before the clock struck 11. Officials see the ordinance as a positive step forward for local businesses. The ordinance helps solidify St. Pete’s status as a hub for food, fun, craft brews and business growth.
Decision puts St. Pete on par with Lakeland and Sarasota
This decision puts the Burg in rank with Sarasota — the city repealed their blue laws in January of 2015 — and Lakeland — they repealed their blue laws in November of 2015. Now, St. Pete residents can cozy up at Parkshore and enjoy a celebratory libation when the restaurant opens at 10am.
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