The Panama City Beach council has approved an emergency ordinance banning drinking on the beach and in parking lots through the end of spring break.
The action was taken Tuesday, shortly after the Bay County Commission took a similar action. The bans are in effect through April 18. The ban follows a shooting that injured seven spring breakers during a house party last weekend.
The News Herald of Panama City reports the Panama City Beach council had previously balked at banning drinking on the beach, thinking it might drive away spring breakers. The city ordinance also scales back the time of alcohol sales to 2 a.m. year-round.
Some business owners are unhappy with the decision.
Julie Hilton of Hilton Inc. says the ban will penalize good people.
