LTC 312-2025 E-mail from SOBESafe Board of Directors - Proposal to Authorize City to Contract for Sale of Alcohol on the Beach - Item C7 K - July 23, 2025 Commission Meeting.MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
LTC#
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Eric Carpenter,City Manager
Ricardo J.Dopico,City Attorney
Joseph M.Centorino, Inspector General
FROM:Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk T'd
DATE:July 22,2025
SUBJECT:E-mail from SOBESafe Board of Directors -Proposal to Authorize City to
Contract for Sale of Alcohol on the Beach -Item C7 K -July 23,2025
Commission Meeting.
I am sharing with you an Email from the SOBESafe Board of Directors regarding the Proposal to
authorize the City Commission to contract for sale of alcohol on the Beach,specifically Item C7
K on the July 23,2025,Commission meeting.
C7 K Approve Amendment 2 to Beachfront Concession Agreement with Boucher
Brothers.(KRG)FF
F:\CLER\$ALL\LTC FROM ASSOCIATIONS\SOBESAFE 07222025.docx
312-2025
Granado,Rafael
Subject:Items of Interest on This Wednesday's Commission Agenda
Memorandum to Mayor and Commissioners
Cc:City Manager,ACMs,Chief MBPD,Chief,MBFD
Date:July 22,2025
Subject:Proposal to Authorize City to Contract for Sale of Alcohol on the Beach
SOBESAFE strongly opposes the proposal at this week's Commission meeting
to authorize the City to contract to sell alcohol on City beaches.
The proposal from the City's Economic and Financial Committee (item C7K)is to
authorize the City to contract with Boucher Brothers to sell alcohol on City beaches as
a trial effort.
This measure is contrary to the best interests of residents and a step backwards in the
quest to return the Miami Beach brand and quality of life to acceptable levels.In fact,it
would tend to undermine the progress that Miami Beach has made,at considerable
expense,over the last two years at countering its image as an "everything goes"
destination through extraordinary efforts and investments,progress that has allowed
the current budget proposal to reduce some of these extraordinary efforts.
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Proponents argue that (1)the City needs new funding sources,(2)alcohol is already
present on beaches via both illegal sellers and parties bringing their own,and (3)
Boucher Brothers is a trusted concessionaire,with whose aspirations for the Beach we
are in general agreement.All three of these points are accurate but overall we don't
believe the merits come close to outweighing the negatives.
Today Miami Beach bans sale or consumption of alcohol on the beach.Nevertheless
vendors walk our beaches regularly selling drinks with impunity,with virtually no police
enforcement (except during Spring Break);individuals and groups carry their own
alcohol onto the beach.Nothing in this proposal would reduce or reverse this situation.
Rather than controlling or reducing current illegal alcohol consumption,this proposal is
an invitation to increase alcohol consumption.
Frankly we are stunned that City funding via alcohol sales should be an acceptable
tactic,coming on the heels of our Commission's admirable efforts to restore safety and
our international reputation.Is Miami Beach in such desperate straits that this is the only
arrow in the City's economic quiver?
To obtain a clearer picture of practices at other major international beaches,we
reviewed a compilation of their practices.Selling alcohol is not the norm,except in
physically constrained and monitored sections.
Since we are also concerned about the effect of potentially more alcohol consumption
on the safety of swimmers and the costs of protecting all beach goers,we note these
comments from the widely respected Fire Chief,who says:
"Whether it involves illegal vendors or food trucks selling alcohol,we foresee a potential
rise in intoxicated beachgoers,littering,and larger crowds on the beach.Despite these
challenges,we will continue to monitor the situation closely,adjust staffing levels as
necessary,and implement essential safety measures to protect our visitors"
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In sum,after all that Miami Beach has gone through,and all the challenges the
City still faces on public safety,do we want the message going out to the world
in tomorrow's headlines "You can now drink on Miami Beach"?
The SOBESAFE Board
Attachment via link
Reference:U.S.Beach Alcohol Policies
Beach Location:Is Alcohol Sold on Beach (Everyday,by Vendors Not from
Establishments)
Laguna Beach,California:Known for its stunning cliffs,clear waters,and luxury resorts
like Montage Laguna Beach,offering exclusive ocean views,high-end amenities,and a
sophisticated coastal vibe.(travelandleisure.com)
NO.Alcohol consumption is prohibited on public beaches in Laguna Beach,so sales
are not allowed.(ecode360.com)
Kiawah Island Beach,South Carolina:Features pristine,private-like sands with upscale
resorts such as The Sanctuary,renowned for its natural beauty,golf courses,and
luxurious sunset views.(travelandleisure.com)
NO.Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the beach except in designated areas with
special approval,and no everyday vendor sales occur.(ccprc.com)
Sea Island Beach,Georgia:A private barrier island with five miles of exclusive
beachfront,Mediterranean-style architecture,and high-end resorts like The Cloister,
catering to elite clientele.(travelandleisure.com)
NO.South Carolina coastal areas generally restrict alcohol on beaches,with no
indications of vendor sales on Sea Island.
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Palm Beach,Florida:Famous for its affluent community,palm-lined shores,and historic
resorts like The Breakers,offering tropical luxury and private beach access.
(travelandleisure.com)
NO.Possession and consumption of open alcoholic beverages are unlawful in public
places,including beaches,prohibiting any sales.(municode.com)
Wailea Beach,Maui,Hawaii:Surrounded by upscale resorts like Four Seasons Resort
Maui,with golden sands,crystal-clear waters,and premium activities like outrigger
canoeing.(travelandleisure.com)
NO.Alcohol is prohibited on Hawaii beaches,including consumption and sales.
(reddit.com)
Cannon Beach,Oregon:Iconic for Haystack Rock and luxury inns like Stephanie Inn,
providing a serene,upscale Pacific Northwest experience with fireplaces and ocean
views.(travelandleisure.com)
NO.While consumption may be allowed on some Oregon beaches,there are no reports
of everyday alcohol vendors on the sand,and local rules often restrict open containers.
Kohala Coast Beaches (e.g.,Mauna Lani),Big Island,Hawaii:Feature volcanic
landscapes,luxury resorts like Mauna Lani Auberge,and breathtaking sunsets,
attracting high-end travelers.(travelandleisure.com)
NO.Alcohol is banned on Hawaii beaches.
Poipu Beach,Kauai,Hawaii:Uncrowded white sands and vibrant waters near exclusive
resorts like The Lodge at Kukui'ula,ideal for luxurious tropical escapes.
(travelandleisure.com)
NO.Alcohol is banned on Hawaii beaches.
Montauk Beach,New York:At the tip of Long Island,with resorts like Gurney's offering
private decks,seaside dining,and a chic Hamptons atmosphere.(travelandleisure.com)
NO.New York beaches generally prohibit alcohol though illegal vendors may operate
in some areas;no legal everyday sales on Montauk.(thrillist.com)
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Miami Beach (South Beach area),Florida:
NO.Consumption of alcohol in public,including beaches,is illegal,so no vendor sales
are permitted.(miamibeachfl.gov)
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