Submitted By: Tye Chighizola
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Presentation By: Tye Chighizola
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Adopt Ordinance 2022-83 to allow a Downtown Event Zone with regulations consistent with House Bill 1429 adopted in the 2022 Florida Legislative Session
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is responsible for regulating the conduct, management, and operation of the manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages within the state. The Ocala Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, addresses the City's role in regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages for on and off premise consumption.
Current code, Section 6-7, provides for City Council to approve by resolution temporary alcoholic beverage permits for consumption or possession in public places during special events. The resolution specifies the non-profit entity organizing the special event, the days and times, the geographic event area, and a map identifying any necessary street closures. Temporary alcoholic beverage permits for such events are also required to be obtained from DBPR. City staff signs the application to DBPR after City Council approves the resolution. The City and DBPR require that a uniform, identifiable beverage cup be used to ensure that consumption is contained within the designated area. Many such events have been approved by the City and DBPR over the years, mainly in the Downtown.
During the planning of these events, staff heard from alcohol businesses in the Downtown that they would like the ability to participate. That has not been possible under state statutes as only one alcohol permit can be issued for a designated geographic area. Non-profits have also expressed interest in the alcohol businesses participat...
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