Jacksonville City Council votes 17-1 to allow some Downtown venues to sell alcohol until 3 a.m.

What the ordinance changes

Jacksonville City Council has approved an ordinance that extends alcohol sales in designated Downtown areas by one hour, moving last call from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. The measure passed on a 17-1 vote on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect after it is signed by Mayor Donna Deegan.

Under current city rules, bars and restaurants must stop selling alcohol at 2 a.m. While some businesses may remain open later, alcohol service is restricted after last call under the existing framework. The newly approved ordinance changes the allowable sales window for certain Downtown venues by adding an additional hour of alcohol service.

Where the later last call applies

The ordinance is geographically limited rather than citywide. The expanded hours apply to Downtown zones that include the NorthCore, Central Core and the Sports and Entertainment District around the stadium. Earlier versions of the legislation discussed during the committee process included an amendment to add the Brooklyn area.

City documents and prior briefings on the proposal indicated that roughly 63 businesses could be eligible based on the defined boundaries of the affected districts.

Who introduced it and how the vote broke down

The legislation was introduced by Council member Raul Arias. During the ordinance’s development and debate, he framed the proposal as part of a broader strategy to increase Downtown activity and support hospitality-related employment. He also acknowledged concerns that later alcohol sales could affect public safety and said the city would examine operating models used in other Florida cities to address those issues.

The sole vote against the ordinance came from Council member Mike Gay. The final vote tally was 17 in favor and 1 opposed.

Arguments raised in public discussion

Supporters, including some Downtown business operators and civic voices engaged in the discussion, described the additional hour as a potential tool for strengthening the Downtown nightlife economy and retaining patrons in the urban core for longer periods. They also said later hours could expand the kinds of ticketed events and late-night programming venues can schedule.

Critics and skeptical residents raised concerns that extended alcohol service could contribute to increased late-night disorder, requiring additional policing or other public safety responses.

Key points at a glance

• Vote: 17-1 approval on Feb. 24, 2026
• Change: last call extended from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. in designated Downtown districts
• Coverage: specific Downtown zones; not a citywide extension
• Next step: takes effect after the mayor’s signature

The ordinance’s impact will depend on how many eligible venues adopt the later hours and how the city manages late-night safety and enforcement within the affected Downtown districts.