Swigwam Retains Right to Sell Alcohol on the Sidewalk

The St. Pete Beach City Commission decided in a 3-2 vote last Tuesday to allow the Swigwam Beach Bar to keep its outdoor seating, according to an article from Tampabay.com.

Some Corey Avenue business owners had complained about certain aspects of the bar and we're asking the city to take back the permission to sell alcohol on the sidewalk that it had given the Swigwam a year ago.

Business owners against the Swigwam claimed that the inebriated customers were intimidating to walk past and have even come into other stores with drinks in hand.

While some business owners dislike the idea of the Swigwam selling alcohol outside, there are other business owners who don't see a problem with the situation. 

The Swigwam opened over 20 years ago and was originally on the water behind the now Postcard Inn. After closing that location, the Swigwam moved to the current location on Corey Avenue in March of 2010. 

How do you weigh in on the issue? Let us know in our poll or in the comments.