St. Petersburg’s mayor Rick Kriseman has long been trying to update our “Blue Laws” – the hours during which alcohol sales are allowed. On March 7, 2017, the Pinellas County Commission passed an ordinance revising our area’s blue laws. YAY!
The new ordinance disallows liquor sales for a 5 hour window – between 3am and 8am only, which means businesses and grocery stores are now able to sell alcohol on Sunday mornings. The ordinance is now in full effect although there has not been much press on the issue. So, FYI, now if you want to have brunch on Sunday morning at The Mill at 10am when they open, you no longer have to wait until 11am to order one of their fantastic fancy mimosas!
Local officials see the ordinance as a positive step forward for local St. Pete businesses. The relaxed blue laws will help solidify the city’s status as a hub for food, fun, craft booze and brews as well as business growth.
This decision puts the Burg in rank with Sarasota and Lakeland who both repealed their blue laws in 2015. Hillsborough County still has blue laws. You can’t buy or serve alcohol there on Sundays until 11 a.m. 🙁
Leave a Reply