Patrons along Tampa's Riverwalk could enjoy the view with a beer soon.
The Tampa City Council gave the first approval Thursday for a new ordinance allowing open containers - under certain conditions.
The ordinance would only allow adults to buy drinks from places that are licensed to sell alcohol along the Riverwalk. Patrons won't be allowed to bring their own alcohol.
The drinks, beer, wine or liquor, would be sold in plastic cups no larger than 16 ounces. People could purchase alcohol from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and carry no more than two drinks at a time.
Alcohol would be sold at eight locations along the walk:
• The Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center
• Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina
• Tampa Convention Center
• Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel
• Malio's Prime Steakhouse in Rivergate Tower
• Sono Café at the Tampa Museum of Art
• Maestro's at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
• Ulele restaurant and brewery
A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6, when council members also are scheduled to have a second and final vote. The first vote passed 4-3.