Gainesville’s new “open container” ordinances take effect Jan. 1

Press release from City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Changes are coming to the City of Gainesville’s “open container” ordinances in the New Year following measures finalized today by the Gainesville City Commission.

Beginning Jan. 1, the open container restrictions that were in place before the pandemic will return for most of Gainesville. The new rules will prohibit people from drinking or having open containers of alcohol on public property in most areas of the city. The only exceptions are two newly designated areas known as the Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) Districts. The ACE Districts will permit open containers on sidewalks, in public parks, or in other public rights of way between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight daily.

The ACE Districts are located where there are high concentrations of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Downtown ACE District encompasses a section roughly bordered by NE 2nd Avenue to the north, NE 3rd Street to the east, SW 6th Street to the west, and south to Depot Avenue. This area includes Bo Diddley Plaza and Depot Park. (Both municipal parks will continue to permit open containers daily from 8 a.m. to midnight.)

The Grove Street ACE District is an area between NW 2nd Street and NW 4th Street, bordered to the north by NW 12th Avenue and to the south by NW 8th Avenue. This area excludes a mostly residential area north of the 6th Street Rail Trail.

“These ACE Districts are areas of our town that showcase the incredible arts and culture that Gainesville is famous for,” said Gainesville City Commissioner Bryan Eastman. “Entertainment districts like these are common across Florida, from Mount Dora to West Palm Beach, and give more flexibility for small business owners and artists to use their outdoor areas to create lively, thriving events,” he said.

In advance of the upcoming changes, City staff provided downtown business owners with a list of frequently asked questions and answers and responded to queries at a group meeting earlier this month. Early next year, establishments inside the borders will receive district maps and window decals for display. To help make the boundaries clear for all, the City also plans to install signs on streets in the districts where open containers are permitted.

Although the Downtown parking garage and some public parking lots are located within the districts, the new ordinances prohibit open containers of alcohol in those areas.

The Gainesville City Commission approved these changes at meetings beginning in September and October 2023 in the interest of public safety. Gainesville Police Department officers can issue either civil citations or criminal infractions to those found in violation of the ordinances. If there is drunken, unsafe, or disorderly behavior, police may impose stiffer criminal penalties.