High Springs commission approves second reading to send Sunday-brewery sales question to Nov. ballot

The High Springs City Commission on July 31 approved on second reading Ordinance 2025-04 to place a referendum on the Nov. 4 general election ballot asking voters whether to amend Chapter 10 of the city code to change hours and days of sale for malt beverage producers, including allowing sales on Sundays.

The measure, as read into the record by a staff member, would amend Chapter 10 (Alcoholic Beverages), specifically section 10-2 and section 10-22, to modify hours and days of sale and to change requirements tied to a special permit; the ordinance text calls for the full amended code language and requisite ballot language to be placed before qualified electors at the November general election.

Commissioner (unnamed) described the action as a second reading and said the motion being considered would put the question to voters. “This is second reading, so I think we discussed it the first time. And this is simply putting to the ballot in November the ability for people to vote on essentially whether or not the brewery can be open on Sundays,” the commissioner said. The commission did not adopt any amendments during the discussion.

After a motion to approve second reading was made and seconded, the commission voted unanimously, 3-0, to approve Ordinance 2025-04 for placement on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot. Vice Mayor Miller, Commissioner Bloodsworth and Commissioner White voted yes. The commission did not take any immediate change to the code on July 31; the action approved only placing the proposed amendment before city voters.

If approved by voters on Nov. 4, the ordinance language submitted to the ballot would amend the cited sections of the High Springs Code of Ordinances. If voters reject the referendum, the existing code and permit rules would remain in effect.

No public comment or staff-requested amendments are recorded in the July 31 transcript for this item.