A new law takes effect Friday that makes open containers of alcoholic beverages illegal in public spaces in the West Seventh Street entertainment district.

Fort Worth police said in a news release that there will be a 30-day grace period to “acclimate and inform our citizens and patrons” about the law, which will affect the sidewalks and streets in the popular nightclub district. Officers will provide information about the law and issue warnings during the grace period, but will have the discretion to “take enforcement action if necessary,” the release said.

Violation of the law is a class C misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $500, police said.

The area covered by the law takes in Crockett Row and Montgomery Plaza and is generally bounded by Woolery Street and the railroad tracks it parallels on the east, West Lancaster Avenue to the south, University Drive and Carroll Street on the west and West 5th and Weisenberger streets to the north.

The law was passed by the city council on Nov. 8 in response to what police have said is a 15 percent increase in overall crime in the area during the first 10 months of this year. Intoxication arrests are up 8 percent. About 12 percent of criminal offenses in the area have involved alcohol this year, police said.

Police see the law as a way to reduce criminal activity in general and underage drinking specifically.

This story was originally published November 15, 2022 at 5:30 AM.