Miami Beach commissioners are considering a pilot program that would permit alcohol sales on some public beaches.
Why it matters: The city famous for cracking down on spring breakers and rolling back liquor sales is now looking to cash in on beachfront booze consumption.
Driving the news: The City Commission is set to vote Wednesday on a one-year pilot program allowing beach concessionaire Boucher Brothers to sell alcohol at the beaches in front of Lummus Park and on 21st Street.
- The city would receive 18% of alcohol sales revenue up to $5 million and 20% of revenues beyond that, with a minimum guarantee of $250,000 and potential monetary contributions to the Miami Beach Bandshell, according to a city memo.
What they’re saying: Commissioners in favor of the pilot program say they hope it will deter unauthorized alcohol vendors from hawking booze at the beach.
- “I’d rather have something that’s regulated than having margaritas sold out of people’s backpacks,” Commissioner Joe Magazine said at a June meeting of the city’s finance committee, which approved the resolution.
Context: It’s illegal to drink alcohol at the beach, but there are exceptions at certain hotels and during authorized events — and many beachgoers bring their own booze due to lax enforcement…