Governor Signs Open Container Law

Eating at a Coast restaurant and wanting to take your beer to go? Soon you’ll be able to.
This morning, Governor Phil Bryant signed off on HB 1223 allowing Coast cities to set up entertainment districts where people can walk from one business to another with their alcoholic beverages in hand. Biloxi is looking at drawing a boundary for open containers use around their downtown area and Restaurant Row along Highway 90.
In Gulfport, leaders are excited about the new legislation, especially with Fishbone Alley in the works. Gulfport Main Street Director Laurie Toups said, “We’re really going to see the impact of this legislation when Fishbone Alley opens and all the restaurants in that area and around that area will be able to put their tables and chairs out on the street. It’s really going to give such a walkable feel and a great community feel, so we’re really looking forward to that.”
Under this new law, Coast cities and about a dozen other cities in the state can set up entertainment districts to carry open containers.