BARTOW, Fla. — Boozy brunch in Bartow starts earlier for some on Sundays due to recent rule changes when it comes to serving alcohol.
People can enjoy alcoholic drinks with their Sunday morning brunch at 9 a.m. instead of waiting until noon. Bartow city commissioners approved the ordinance last summer after the change was met with community controversy.
Bartow business owners fought for the changes as they believed this would only help the local economy.
"We just want to keep it in Bartow," said Jhonoy Johnson, the service director for Idlewood Venue.
Johnson mans Sunday morning brunch at the wedding venue. Johnson explained it's the only spot in the city for boozy brunch before noon on Sundays. Johnson initiated the time change after commissioners approved the ordinance in August 2023.
He has seen firsthand how it has helped his business: "It has helped us tremendously. It allowed for my servers and my other employees to get more hours, more tips," Johnson said.
While business owners rallied for the change, not everyone agreed that it was beneficial for the community.
"I think alcohol makes a mockery of anyone who takes part in it," said the pastor at Bible Baptist Church in Bartow, Jesse Maxwell.
Maxwell went to a commission meeting last summer to ask commissioners to put a cork in the time change.
"I believe the answer for the community is less alcohol rather than more," Maxwell said.
Ultimately, all city commissioners voted to allow boozy brunch earlier on Sundays. Commissioners agreed that residents have the right to drink responsibly.
"People valued the economy, having a chance to make more money, over life," Maxwell said.
Those who take advantage of bubbles with their brunch disagree with Maxwell's views.
"We enjoy coming here instead of driving to Lakeland or Winter Haven to have brunch," Donna Higgins said. Higgins and her husband frequently join Idlewood Venue's brunch on Sunday morning.
The couple owns a local business in Bartow and they believe allowing businesses to serve alcohol earlier on Sundays will help other local spots in town.
"It's growing fast. It’s going to be able to help some of these businesses stay in business," Higgins said.
While Idlewood Venue is the only restaurant taking advantage of serving spirits before noon, the hope is others will raise a glass.