City Council approved an amended ordinance on first reading that will add restrictions on beverage containers and coolers in the San Marcos River and within designated parks adjacent to the river Feb. 6.
The ordinance defines a single-use beverage container as “any container used to hold beverages designed to be used once before being thrown away,” and may include containers made of metal, aluminum, cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic or glass.
The background
Council held a discussion in September and directed the Parks and Recreation Board to bring back a recommendation. In November, the Parks and Recreation Board recommended council implement a single-use beverage container ban and limit cooler size to 30 quarts per person within the city's riverfront parks, according to agenda documents. Council discussed the board's recommendations and requested a work session Dec. 6.
The details
There would be one 30-quart cooler per person on public waterways, but no limitations within the riverfront parks themselves, according to agenda documents. Alcoholic beverages with a volume of 5 fluid ounces or less would be prohibited in both areas.
The ordinance implements “Go Zones”—or areas that will be unaffected by the ordinance—including:
- Ramon Lucio Park
- Children’s Park
- Plaza Park
- City Park
- Rio Vista
Next steps
The ordinance will come back to council for a second reading at a future meeting date. If approved, the ordinance would go into effect May 1. However, there will be no citations issued for violations within the first year.
There will be an education period beginning the day the ordinance goes into effect, which will end April 30, 2025. During this time, the city would focus on outreach strategies that educate residents and tourists on the ordinance rules, boundaries and awareness.
