Visit Statesboro is excited to announce the launch of its new “Sip & Soar” campaign, a creative initiative designed to shine a light on a lesser-known city ordinance that designates an open container area in downtown Statesboro. Although the ordinance was passed in 2020, its unique benefits have largely remained under the radar until now.
A Toast to Downtown Innovation
The Sip & Soar campaign highlights the designated open container area where, under specific guidelines, patrons can enjoy their favorite beverages off-premises. To promote this initiative, Visit Statesboro is partnering with local establishments that serve within the open container area by providing them with exclusive, custom-designed to-go cups. These cups feature original artwork showcasing sketches of the participating establishments’ exteriors, as well as a QR code to sipandsoar.com, which directs users to a dedicated webpage with all the details of the program.
Campaign Details & Key Rules of the Area
While the use of these cups is entirely optional and purely for fun, they help ensure that everyone, from locals to visitors, knows exactly how to enjoy the open container area safely and responsibly. Here’s what you need to know:
- No Glass Beverage Containers: Only paper or plastic cups are allowed.
- Container Size: The cup must be 20 ounces or less.
- Age Requirement: Participants must be 21 years or older.
- No-Go Area: Please note that the Bulloch County Courthouse property is not part of the open container area.
In addition, the webpage provides an up-to-date map of the area, a list of establishments within the footprint, and detailed information about the city ordinance. To help patrons navigate, there are some quick landmark tips to the North, East, South, and West of the open container area.
For those who want to dig deeper, the landing page includes the full text of the ordinance (City Ordinance Section 6-17 K), which outlines that:
- Licensed establishments may sell alcoholic beverages in paper or plastic cups for off-premise consumption, with a maximum of one beverage per person (21+ years).
- The alcoholic beverage dispensed cannot exceed 20 fluid ounces, and must not be in a can, bottle, or any other glass container.
- The exemption applies during the designated operating hours and up to the time allowed for establishments to clear their patrons.
A Celebration of Community & Partnership
“We’d like to extend our gratitude to the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority for their instrumental role in advocating for this ordinance,” said Becky Sanders, President/CEO at Visit Statesboro. “Their leadership has helped ensure the open-container area enriches downtown’s welcoming atmosphere while preserving a safe, family-friendly environment.”
“We are thrilled to highlight this unique city ordinance and invite everyone to experience downtown Statesboro in a unique and exciting new way,” said Justin Samples, Vice President of Marketing at Visit Statesboro. “The Sip & Soar campaign not only educates our community about the open container area but also supports our local businesses, encouraging a lively, safe, and enjoyable downtown atmosphere.”
Join the Celebration
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the Sip & Soar campaign offers a fun opportunity to explore downtown Statesboro while enjoying the benefits of the open container area. For more information, view the interactive map, or see a complete list of participating establishments, please visit sipandsoar.com.
