SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Oviedo officials are looking to allow something other cities tend to crack down on, open containers for alcoholic drinks.

City leaders have been working with state legislators to get a special zone created for Oviedo on the Park to allow patrons to carry open containers for alcoholic drinks.

What You Need To Know

  • The city of Oviedo has worked with state legislators to file House Bill 4031, which would approve a special zone allowing people to carry open containers of alcoholic drinks around Oviedo on the Park

  • Oviedo City Manager Bryan Cobb says special cups would be used by patrons to allow them to walk from place to place within the zone

  • While not all businesses agree, Legacy Liquors' owner says he believes the special zone would be good for business

  • If the bill passes, the next step would be for the city to create an ordinance to make the open container zone law in Oviedo

Right in the heart of Oviedo on the Park, you can find businesses like Legacy Liquors.

It's a place that prides itself on its great selection.

“I love bringing quality to the neighborhood and to the community," Legacy Liquors owner Rick Rattan says.

The family-owned business has stores all over Orange and Seminole counties and has been in Oviedo for almost three years.

Rattan says the diversity and variety of businesses make this area unique, but even though the resources are here, people often feel the need to leave the area to have fun.

“Most of the residents here have to leave to go to downtown Orlando or different cities to enjoy themselves and then they have to drive back," Rattan says. "Over here, the majority of it is a five-minute drive or a walk. And with Uber and all of that in access right now, it’s so easy to just stay in Oviedo and have a great time in Oviedo.”

That’s why city leaders are hoping legislators consider House Bill 4031 to approve a special zone surrounding Oviedo on the Park to allow people to carry open containers.

“It will allow people to utilize a special cup, almost like a special to-go cup, to carry alcoholic beverages in between businesses and especially in our district, into homes as well," Oviedo City Manager Bryan Cobb says.

While some believe allowing patrons to enter businesses with open containers from other establishments is bad for business, Ratton says he feels the community will support all businesses here.

“They don’t really hand pick a certain place to say, 'hey, you know what? They have the best slushie so I’m not drinking at any other store any more,' right?" Rattan says. "You will find them at different locations trying out different things.”

Other businesses, like Marlow's Tavern, agree.

Marlow's Tavern's Corporate Office and VP of Marketing & Administrating Officer Kaffee Hopkins sent Spectrum News 13 a statement, saying:

"Marlow’s Tavern supports an open container law in Oviedo. It allows us to offer a more enjoyable and flexible experience for our guests. By permitting alcohol consumption in designated public spaces, we can enhance the dining experience and attract more guests, particularly in outdoor areas. This will create a vibrant atmosphere, encourages longer stays, and boosts business for all. It will make an already great community even better."

Rattan says the change would give businesses like his a chance to showcase their specialty drinks and bring more customers to the area.

“There’s so many events that the city provides down by the amphitheater and the lake that it just makes sense," Rattan says. “You know it’s hot, this is Florida and you get a cold beverage and you’re good to go.”

Cobb says that if the bill passes, the next step would be for the city to create an ordinance to make the open container zone law in Oviedo.

It's something they hope to make happen when this year’s legislative session wraps up on May 2.