Page 114 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2018

DOWNTOWNS mississi-sippin’
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
early 2016, Governor Phil Bryant signed
what has been known as the ‘to-go cup’ bill into law. Prior
to the signing of this law, all alcoholic beverages had to be
consumed or left behind before leaving a bar or restaurant. The new law changed entertainment
and nightlife for the better by allowing people to carry these
to-go beverages outside of establishments within designated
areas.
One of the leaders in this movement was the city of Gulfport,
who helped to provide valuable information to members of the
Gulf Coast legislative delegation regarding how the new legislation
could benefit Gulfport’s developing entertainment district, particularly
the newly created Fishbone Alley. “The primary factor was to allow our
local businesses the opportunity to enhance their al fresco dining by being
able to include wine and alcohol as well as give our adult visitors ‘walkability’
throughout the entertainment district,” said Mayor Billy Hewes. “This
ordinance has made it easier for our patrons to move about the entertainment
district and it gives them more choices to experience our downtown businesses.
The opportunity created by this new
legislation has led to other communities across the state creating their own ‘go cup’ ordinances.”
Another city to embrace the to-go cup movement is Ocean Springs. “Our city has a vibrant downtown with numerous bars and restaurants within walking distance, so being able to walk around with your drink in hand has made a huge impact,” said Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cynthia Dobbs Sutton. “As a community with monthly events and festivals, the go cup ordinance is a huge help to our locally owned establishments. By allowing locals and tourists to navigate the go cup district freely, traffic has increased because people are encouraged to enjoy individual establishments while also being able to check out surrounding businesses.”
The original legislation was initially sought for areas on the Mississippi
Gulf Coast, but other cities such as Hattiesburg, Starkville, Tupelo and Jackson have also sought legislative approval. While the positive effects of
the go cup legislation have been enjoyed within certain approved districts, another bill was introduced early this year which could allow go cups in any Mississippi municipality where alcohol is legal. What this means is that municipalities would be able to establish go cup districts without having to turn back to the state legislature for approval as they do now. At press time this new bill had not been signed.
114 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2018 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net