What:
In January 2024, the City Council passed an ordinance permitting open consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks within the designated Riverwalk Open Container Area. Licensed businesses located adjacent to or directly on these Riverwalks can now allow patrons to exit their premises with an alcoholic beverage during program hours.
To comply with the ordinance, alcoholic beverages must be served in the officially branded 16 oz. Riverwalk to-go cups, which can contain beer, wine, or spirits. Visitors are allowed a maximum of two Riverwalk branded to-go cups at any time.
Participating Establishments Include:
- Chart House
- DoubleTree by Hilton: St. Johns Provision Co. and Lounge
- Hyatt Regency: SHOR Seafood Grill & TAVERN
- Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts (during events)
- Morton’s The Steakhouse
- Riverside Arts Market (during select events)
- Southbank Hotel: Southbank Johnnie’s
- St. Johns River Taxi (during select events)
This program is sponsored by Visit Jacksonville and made possible through a partnership with the City of Jacksonville, the Downtown Investment Authority, and Downtown Vision.
Hours:
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Hours are subject to change. For current information, visit DTJax.com/riverwalk.
Where:
Within the Riverwalk Open Container Area (map available through the link under visual assets).
FAQs:
Can patrons go anywhere with a drink?No. Patrons can only exit a participating business into the designated open container area along the Riverwalk. Alcoholic beverages cannot be brought into participating businesses. Refer to the map available through the link under visual assets.
Can patrons enter the waterfront parks with a drink? No. Open containers are not allowed in public parks. However, during properly permitted events within a waterfront park that allows alcoholic beverages within the Open Container Area, patrons may do so for the event’s duration.
Why must patrons use the specialty branded Riverwalk to-go cups?To comply with the program, participants must purchase to-go drinks from participating businesses and use the specialty branded Riverwalk to-go cups. This ensures that the alcohol has been purchased from a licensed premise within the designated area.
Can people visiting the Riverwalk bring their own alcoholic beverages?No. Only alcohol purchased from licensed businesses providing the specially branded to-go cups can be legally consumed on the Riverwalk.
For all rules, regulations, and more information, visit DTJax.com/riverwalk.