ST. PETE BEACH (970 WFLA) -- Hotels along St. Pete Beach will now be able to apply for a permit to allow alcohol on the beach. City commissioners approved the idea this week, but only for hotel guests and in designated areas.
Keith Overton of the Tradewinds resort (pictured) says he's pleased that the commission this week decided to allow hotel patrons to drink in the sand. He says, it might not impact local tourism overall, but it will boost hotel business.
"There are so many beachfront resorts that allow the ability to have a pina colada or a daiquiri in a beach chair." Overton says not having alcohol on the beach puts his resort at a "competitive disadvantage".
Only guests with armbands will be allowed to drink within ten feet of hotel cabanas, between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m, if wearing the proper plastic bracelet. Some local residents complained. They're still banned from boozing on the beach.
PHOTO CREDIT: Tradewinds resort