Organizations running events will have to apply for a permit and an ordinance exemption from the city to have open containers on the street but any businesses with a valid liquor license can have patrons walk out of their sales area with wine or beer.
Panama City Police Chief Scott Ervin said he would advise the commission against ever allowing hard alcohol on the street.
The law would apply to the St. Andrews Entertainment District — between 15th street to the north, Bayveiw Avenue to the west, Chestnut Avenue to the east and the marina to the south — and the Downtown District — between Sixth Street to the north, Beach Drive to the west, Massalina Bayou to the east and the marina to the south. Any drinkers outside of the area would be forced to pour out alcoholic drinks, Ervin said. Ervin said ordinances barring glass and metal open containers would still apply. The law is currently in effect.
Downtown Improvement Board Director Dutch Sanger said his organization would apply for permits for all 10 Friday Fest Events, Oktoberfest and the Festival of Nations. Organizations are allowed 15 permits per year to have alcohol on the street.