C7K Beach Alcohol PilotOne-Year Pilot Program
for Regulated Beach Alcohol Sales
A Smart, Controlled Response to Illegal Activity
The Problem –Illegal Alcohol Sales Are Rampant
Illegal beach vending is out of control.
Residents and tourists are sounding the alarm.
2023-2025 Arrests:
●136 arrests in 2023
●151 in 2024
●27 YTD in 2025
Common Issues:
●Unsafe, homemade cocktails
●Use of prohibited glass containers
●Uncomfortable environment for tourists & residents (harassment)
●Undermines local businesses and City tax revenue
Illegal Alcohol Sales
Strict Enforcement Is Not Sustainable
●MBPD is stretched thin.
Beach ATVs are covering safety, emergencies, and more.
●Illegal vendors are arrested, then return within hours.
●Undercover stings are resource-heavy.
“Given a choice between illegal vendors and a regulated business,
we’d choose the business.”
—MBPD Source
The Proposed Solution
One-Year Pilot Program
●Locations:Lummus Park & 21st Street beachfront concessions
●Oversight:Licensed concessionaire (e.g., Boucher Brothers)
●Revenue for City:
○18% up to $5M
○20% above $5M
○$250,000 guaranteed minimum
●City retains full control:
Suspend or terminate with 24-hour notice
Advantages of Regulation
Removes incentive for illegal vendors
Safer, controlled product –no glass, no mystery cocktails
Helps fund enforcement & services without raising taxes
Leverages trusted partners (Boucher Brothers)
Follows a proven model used across Florida
Common Arguments –and the Reality
Concern Reality
“It invites more
alcohol consumption”
Alcohol is already widespread via illegal sellers and
BYOB. This regulates, not expands.
“It hurts our image”Illegal, unregulated alcohol service is what hurts our
brand. This restores order.
“We’ve made
progress”
True. Let’s build on it with smarter tools—not turn a
blind eye.
Florida Is Already Doing It
●Over a dozen beaches in Florida permit alcohol consumption, including:
Cocoa Beach, Naples, St. Pete Beach, Flagler Beach, Madeira Beach, Siesta
Beach, Lido Beach, Panama City Beach, Pensacola Beach, and others.
●If they can do it responsibly, so can we—with strict oversight and guaranteed
revenue.
●Let’s lead with regulation—not chaos.
Let’s pilot, learn, and adjust.