Monday, October 12, 2015

The New Collier County Alcohol Regulations Boost Beer Sales This Season


Following the new law that came into effect on July 1st, the entire state’s regulations on alcohol were improved, which allowed brewery owners to hope for a boost in beer sales this year. With the season being in full effect and tourists coming in the county from all over the States, brewers finally saw their wish come true when they reported record sales of beer. The alcohol container laws had been long disputed and starting July 1st, brewpubs finally saw their dream come true when the new law which permitted them to sell 64oz growlers took effect.

The tourist season is very important in Collier County, as much of its economy relies on it for the rest of the year. To this extent, with the new law coming into effect just as the season started, breweries were finally able to sell their product in this highly convenient packaging. For many people the previous packaging was quite uncomfortable because they would either have to buy too many bottles, or buy a huge quantity which would get warm and become hard to drink. Many consider the 64 oz. growler to have the perfect size and business owners could not agree more.

Since this law was passed at the beginning of July, they managed to make considerably more profits and they are happy to be able to accommodate their clients properly. In addition, they expect the sales to continue their level until the season is finished. Furthermore, as some owners have even had to hire new employees to be able to cope with the demands of their clients and this just goes to show how necessary this law was, especially in a towns such as Naples that rely on tourism during the season. While this county has many national parks, this does not mean that tourists do not like to relax after a hike and enjoy a beer in the proper packaging. While some may say that this quantity is only popular because of the novelty feel, the constant rise in sales has proven that it was a truly necessary addition to the county laws.


All in all, the new law has definitely helped Collier County brewpub owners with its new law. This was certainly long awaited and many people expect the 64 oz. growler to maintain its popularity even after the season has ended. Local businesses are very excited about the new law and are eager to present their customers with the new bottles. In fact, they started to get prepared even before the law came into effect, by ordering the bottles in advance and having them ready for the big day. Their efforts certainly paid off and people appreciate the new packaging and the Collier County beer.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Starting a Business in Charlotte – Things You Should Know


Taking into consideration the current context, it seems that Charlotte County is the best choice for those who are planning to start a business, especially a restaurant or a bar. This is due to the fact that the county is part of the state of Florida, which is known for becoming an extremely popular destination among tourists from the US and other countries as soon as the season approaches. In addition to this, the laws and regulations are also beneficial for business owners, which makes the county one of the best places a prospective business owner can invest in. Starting and operating a restaurant becomes easier if the location favors all the management operations. The jurisdiction of the county is somehow permissive, especially if we are to consider the new law regarding alcohol commercialization and storage. Initially, the state of Florida had clear restrictions related to the containers in which alcoholic beverages could be stored and transported: the growlers had to have 32 or 127 ounces. These dimensions were somehow a drawback for traders, since they were obliged to purchase either small growlers or large ones, and the quality of the beverages could suffer modifications.

Due to the fact that this rule was not actually supporting bar and restaurant owners, Florida officials have decided to bring some changes in the state law and allow alcohol trading (beer and wine) in 64 ounce growlers. In spite of the fact that Florida is the last state of the US that accepted this change, the amendment has been very welcomed, especially by those who are planning to open a new restaurant or bar. As you can see, the legal and financial context is perfect, so Charlotte County could become your first choice option, in case you were considering launching a restaurant in Florida. Of course, like any other jurisdiction, there are some particular rules necessary in order for the good development of liquor commercialization: there are certain hours where one cannot purchase alcoholic beverages, minors cannot get drinks and not any grocery store can sell alcohol. Besides this, any public business that wants to sell beer, wine or hard liquor must have a liquor license, obtained after a diligent process. The first thing you will have to do is learn about zoning classification, because each zone has its own requirements. After that, you will have to submit your application and attach a series of additional documents; to prove that you are qualified to commercialize alcoholic drinks. Once you get the license, you will have to renew it annually.

However, if you are only beginning your business journey, you should not feel discouraged, because all these criteria are very easy to fulfill and are aiming to prevent incidents and legal issues, not to stop you from being successful. You have to be careful, inform yourself and make the wisest choice; because there are various details ordinary people do not know. For instance, you may be tempted to open the restaurant or bar uptown, because there you are likely to have more clients, but you must know that a business situated downtown should have different standards than one located outside downtown.


Wednesday, September 30, 2015

St. Pete Beach Possibly Accepting Alcohol on Public Beaches


Lately there have been several discussions regarding the possibility of bringing alcohol on public beaches in St. Pete Beach, a well-known city in Pinellas County. This piece of news has brought with it a media hurricane, as the community does not seem to agree with this perspective. Of course the fear of turning a pleasant, quiet city into a spring break destination exists in minds of many of the St. Pete Beach locals, a fact which has led to so many discussions. Everything started when the focus fell on the people who deliberately brought alcohol to public beaches, even though they knew that this was against regulations. Apparently, the reaction of the city council was far from what the general public expects. Even though this does not mean that those who have crossed the law will not suffer the consequences of their actions, the mayor and city council were not appalled by this event. In fact, serious thinking is put into changing the alcohol regulations regarding private beaches.

This of course came as a real shock to much of the St. Pete Beach community who fear of turning their beloved city into a noisy spring break destination for college students. Once the commission started explaining the restrictions regarding alcohol on public properties, restrictions, which were considered by the majority of the individuals present at meeting as soft and rather relaxed, remarks did not fail to appear. Apparently, the idea of allowing alcohol on public beaches is rather difficult to accept by the people in part of the community. The situation could get rather problematic. On the one side, part of the community is appalled by the idea of creating even more opportunities for individuals to drink on public beaches. At the same time, regulating this matter through permits and licenses could bring order and structure to the picture, which is exactly what any city needs. However, out of this confusion, one aspect has been clearly stated-- permit or not, if individuals should have alcohol relate outbursts the law and order forces will take the necessary measures.


Further, if drinking on public beaches is allowed, this will only be valid for certain areas that have applied and received permits. For instance hotels or restaurant located on public beaches can offer their clients the option to drink alcohol on the beach on a particular area and in the basis of a permit. Otherwise, bringing alcohol to the beach is still not permitted. The truth is that the problem raised by the commission and the community of St. Pete Beach, Pinellas County is one more complex that it would appear in reality. This problem regards the concept of public property. The entire community has access to these beaches or other public spaces. The problem is that member of the same city, of the same community could have very different opinions regarding what should or should not be done in these locations, hence the misunderstandings.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Sarasota Breweries Celebrate the New State Law


The beer industry in Sarasota and the entire Tampa Bay Area has always been popular among beer lovers, and in July they had an extra reason to celebrate: Breweries throughout the county toasted for the new state law that allowed them to offer clients 64-ounce growlers to take home. As the new law took effect, on July 1st, 2015, all breweries celebrated the beginning of a new era in the Florida beer industry and the end of a law that many considered quite confusing. The new 64-ounce growler is considered much more comfortable for a take-home packaging and will take the Florida beer industry to the next level.

The Big Top Brewing Company from Sarasota actually received a high mark in this year’s U.S. Open Beer Championship where judges tasted over 4000 beers from all over the world, thus making this mark very important in the prestige of the county and added something more to be proud of. The Florida beer scene has always been appreciated by locals and visitors alike and as the new law took effect and the award winning breweries were allowed to sell their product in a new packaging, the entire beer industry toasted to the event. This new bill is expected to increase the sales of beer, especially during tourist season, but also to maintain beer sales higher than before even when the season comes to an end.

Beer lovers from all over the country are now even more excited to visit Florida and breweries are always happy to accommodate their clients and make their experience as pleasant as possible. In fact, the number of breweries has certainly grown in the past few years throughout the country and Florida has around 150 operating breweries at the moment, a number the will continue to increase, especially with the new law that took effect in July. There are many beer festivals that take place in Florida and this year, the Sarasota Brandenton Beer Festival that takes place on Aug 8th has certainly got everyone excited. It is the first beer festival in the county after the new law and brewers are excited to share the new growler with their clients and tourists. Of course, there are many other beer festivals to come in Sarasota this year, so those who cannot join the one on the 8th can rest assured that they will have plenty of other options to choose from later on in August and September.


All in all, the new Florida law has definitely brought a lot of reasons to celebrate to Sarasota breweries and beer lovers will now be able to taste their favorite product from a brand new packaging. Whether they take a tour of the breweries or they join one of the beer festivals that are scheduled for this summer, they will have plenty of chances to experience first-hand the 64 oz. growlers and the highly appreciated Florida beer along with them. In sum, those who are planning a trip to Florida should definitely pay a visit to local breweries because they will not regret it.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Broward County Turns by Night


When talking about nightlife, you just cannot exclude alcohol. It just won’t do. So, the moment you admit that a city or a county in general offers plenty of bars, nightclubs or restaurants, you instantly say yes to alcohol. From this point of view, Broward County has certainly made an impression. This is one area that has found it rather difficult to say no to alcohol, especially to beer. In this part of the country, people generally drink more beer than other types of beverages and to prove it, you have quite a significant number of recognized and well-appreciated breweries like Mack House or Laser Wolf. It’s true that other types of beverages are not that well represented in bars, but this is when nightclubs come in the picture and set the scale balancing things a bit. Indeed, important, fresh clubs like The Dubliner or Pawn Shop lounge offer customers the chance to try all sorts of beverages and not just beer.

Now that the season has almost arrived, it might a good idea to give a few pointers as far as nightlife is concerned. You might be surprised to hear, but Broward County has quite the vivid nightlife. It’s true that during the day, places like Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and of course the almost famous Hollywood of Broward County, might seem quiet, even a bit dull. However, during the night, these cities completely change and become the ideal location for entertainment. No wonder so many tourists decide to visit these cities year after year. The bottom line is that the nightlife here is more vivid than you ever thought. It’s true, this is good news for tourists, but what about entrepreneurs. Surely you can imagine that you can actually run a profitable business like a bar or a restaurant, if the nightlife permits. Now that Broward County is welcoming more and more nightclubs like American Social or Bar Stache, both in Fort Lauderdale, it would appear that investing in this field might just be the break you have looking for. Prepare for the season and invest in a business that owns a complete liquor license. In some cases you might even be able to purchase a tavern or a restaurant, the actual building and its license.


You might have to make a few changes and work on reputation, where it is needed, but other than that, you should be just fine. The Broward County nightlife permits you to make a living out of entertainment. So, check the newspapers or one of the many dedicated websites and discover real opportunities. Many cities change from day to night. Bars, restaurants, cafes, all establishments of this kind open their doors to tourists and locals looking for entertainment. However, here is one important mention to all entrepreneurs who see the potential in the Broward County nightlife. Without owning a liquor license, purchased and annually renewed, your business plans will certainly not make it. So, consider this aspect, take all measures of precautions and see what type of business you would like to own. It could be a brewery, but at the same time, nightclubs with a great cocktail variety are a delight for tourists.