New social district brings to-go drinks to downtown St. Johns

Downtown St. Johns has launched a new social district, allowing visitors to take alcoholic beverages from participating establishments and enjoy them while walking through the downtown area.

• Six local businesses are participating in St. Johns' new social district, allowing patrons to carry alcoholic beverages outside within designated boundaries.
• The social district operates Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with special stickers identifying approved containers.

• St. Johns Police Department plans increased presence in the area to ensure safety.

  Watch the video to learn what you need to know before you go:

  New social district brings to-go drinks to downtown St. Johns

  Dean Mazzolini owns Bruno's Bar downtown and is excited for his business to be participating.

  "It's nice because of the events. They have a lot of events - car shows, spring flings, that kind of stuff and people can walk around and have a drink," Mazzolini said.

  Six businesses are participating in the social district: American Legion, Bruno's, Main Street Cafe, Sirens Bar, St. Johns Brewing Company and Swany's Pub and Grub.

  "Each place has a sticker. And you can only drink these drinks, not at somebody else's business as far as on premise, but they can do it in the social district," Mazzolini said.

  The social district hours will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, within boundaries provided by the St. Johns Downtown Development Authority.

  

  St. Johns Downtown Development Authority

  St. Johns neighbor Kaleb Riley voiced some concerns.

  "I don't necessarily find it a bad idea. I think as long as people are responsible with it it'll be alright," Riley said.

  The St. Johns Police Department says they're excited about the new development downtown and will have an increased presence in the area to ensure safety.

  This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
  

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