Downtown Jacksonville businesses are reporting increased revenue and improved safety conditions one month after the city implemented a new ordinance allowing bars to serve alcohol until 3 a.m. The ordinance extended last call by one hour and applies to businesses in the downtown area, putting Jacksonville in line with other major Florida cities like Miami and Tampa that already serve alcohol until 3 a.m.
“It’s been great,” said Evan Rajta, an operating partner for Decca Live, Keane’s Taverna and Sip Rooftop. “We are very thankful that the city is moving in the right direction and they are making all of the right choices.” Rajta had advocated for the extended hours before the ordinance passed, believing more time would translate to more business for downtown establishments.
Decca Live, one of the newest entertainment destinations in downtown Jacksonville, is among many businesses now taking advantage of the extended serving hours. Rajta said the change has created a safer environment by allowing patrons more time to wind down before leaving. “The show may end at 2 a.m. but have a little background music on, (people) order their Ubers, order their food and head where they need to,” Rajta said. “It’s created a safer environment instead of having the mob mentality where you have everybody in the middle of the street all at the same time; it has allowed us to phase that out a little bit.”
Jacksonville joins Miami and Tampa, which are widely regarded as thriving urban centers that already serve alcohol until 3 a.m. When the ordinance was first introduced, public reaction was mixed, with some residents supporting the change while others raised concerns about public safety, including a potential rise in arrests and DUI incidents. News4JAX reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for data on arrests since the ordinance took effect, but officials have not provided any information suggesting the later cutoff has led to an increase in arrests.
The extended hours also benefit staff working at downtown establishments, according to Rajta. The extra hour provides additional time for employees to serve customers and potentially increase their earnings through tips and extended shifts. Early signs point to the ordinance delivering the business boost that supporters anticipated when advocating for the change.