JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Downtown Jacksonville’s newest ordinance allowing bars to serve alcohol until 3 a.m. has been in effect for about a month, and early signs point to a boost in business.
The ordinance, which extended last call by one hour, applies to businesses in the downtown area and puts Jacksonville in line with other major Florida cities.
Decca Live is one of the newest entertainment destinations in downtown Jacksonville and one of many businesses now serving alcohol until 3 a.m.
Evan Rajta, an operating partner for Decca Live, Keane’s Taverna and Sip Rooftop, said the change has been a welcome one.
“It’s been great,” Rajta said. “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, believing more time means more business for downtown establishments.
Jacksonville isn’t breaking new ground in Florida. Cities like Miami and Tampa already serve alcohol until 3 a.m. — and both are widely regarded as thriving urban centers.
When the ordinance was first introduced, public reaction was mixed. Some residents supported 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, and so far, officials have not provided any information suggesting the later cut-off has led to an increase in arrests.
Rajta said the extended hours have actually made things safer downtown by giving patrons more time to wind down before heading home.
“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.”
The extra hour also benefits staff, who are earning more with the additional time for sales. More revenue also translates to more tax dollars flowing back into Duval County.
The growth downtown shows no signs of slowing. Rajta’s group has at least two more concepts in the works — a European bakery and a speakeasy — both planned for the downtown area.