Booze on the Beach? Miami Beach Weighs Alcohol Pilot Program

Miami Beach is weighing a proposal that could change the city’s relationship with its iconic shoreline—by allowing alcohol sales directly on the sand. The City Commission is considering a one-year pilot program that would permit regulated sales of beer, wine, and cocktails at designated beachfront kiosks. If approved, the program would authorize Boucher Brothers, the city’s longtime beach concessionaire, to serve alcoholic beverages at specific areas between Fifth and 14th Streets, as well as at 21st Street, during set hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The proposal aims to bring a level of control and oversight to a practice that already occurs unofficially. While drinking alcohol on the beach is currently prohibited, enforcement has been inconsistent, and many beachgoers routinely bring their own beverages. City officials hope the pilot program could reduce the prevalence of unregulated alcohol consumption and curb the activities of unauthorized vendors, while also creating a new revenue stream from beachfront concessions.

According to a city memo, the proposed agreement would generate substantial revenue for Miami Beach. The city would receive 18% of alcohol sales revenue up to $5 million and 20% of revenue beyond that, with a minimum guaranteed payment of $250,000 annually. In addition, the proposal includes potential monetary contributions to the Miami Beach Bandshell, helping fund local cultural programming.

Supporters of the initiative argue that it offers a pragmatic solution to a longstanding issue. By permitting sales in a controlled environment with licensed staff and clearly defined hours, the city can manage beach drinking more effectively while offering a premium amenity to tourists. Opponents, however, worry that formalizing alcohol sales could reinforce Miami Beach’s party-town image—something city leaders have worked hard to rebrand in recent years. Critics have also voiced concerns about public safety, noise, and the potential for increased rowdiness in family-friendly areas.

The decision now rests with the City Commission, which is expected to vote on the pilot program soon. If it moves forward, city staff will be required to submit quarterly reports detailing the program’s impact, including safety metrics, business activity, and public sentiment. These evaluations will help determine whether the policy should be expanded, modified, or discontinued after the one-year trial period.

This pilot represents a broader shift in how Miami Beach approaches its evolving identity—balancing the demands of tourism with the quality-of-life concerns of residents. It also highlights the city’s willingness to test creative solutions in pursuit of both economic growth and improved public management. Whether this experiment becomes a permanent fixture remains to be seen, but it signals Miami Beach’s openness to reimagining how its world-famous shoreline can serve both visitors and the local community.