Polk County eases strict alcohol restrictions

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County leaders are easing alcohol restrictions across the area. 

For years, the county was known for having some of the strictest rules in the region. Recently, however, commissioners approved a number of changes in hopes of becoming more business friendly.

Taking over his family liquor business has always been the goal for Rocky Patel.

“The business used to my uncle’s. So uncle just retired so I’ve taken over for them,” he said.

His uncle, Jay, first opened Jay’s Liquor in the Combee Settlement community 13 years ago. While he is enjoying retirement, Patel says his uncle still keeps a close eye on changes affecting the store, including new updates to Polk County’s alcohol regulations.

Commissioners voted to shorten the distance liquor stores and bars must be from religious institutions and schools. They also extended drinking hours at establishments by one hour and approved packaged alcohol sales on Sundays.

“Not only for making money, but for convenience purposes also,” Patel said. “So many people tell me, ‘Why you guys aren’t open on Sundays? So we have to go far away to the city area.’”

Prior to the changes, liquor stores located in unincorporated Polk County were prohibited from operating on Sundays. Now, they will be able to sell alcohol from noon to midnight. While residents were already able to drink on Sundays at businesses such as bars and lounges, they will now be able to start at 11 a.m. instead of noon.

Benjamin Ziskal, director of Polk County Land Development, said the decision came after careful consideration.

“We did receive a lot of feedback from the businesses that their sales and their customer base were significantly hampered by our rules compared to what the adjacent cities had in their rules,” Ziskal said. “We wanted to level that playing field and make sure the businesses in unincorporated Polk County have the same rules and are successful in selling alcohol.”

For Patel, the changes could not have come at a better time.

“Polk County, you did a good job,” he said.