Alcohol will not be served on the Bradenton side of the river at next year's Riverwalk Regatta.
The city's Downtown Development Authority made the decision at Tuesday's meeting. This first regatta in February did not sell alcohol, but Budweiser, a sponsor, was allowed to sell beer off-site and people were allowed to bring it to the event grounds with a special cup.
The ban opens the door for Palmetto to market its side of the river as alcohol-friendly for future regattas. Palmetto officials have expressed uncertainty about future participation in the regatta, according to the Bradenton Herald.