Alcohol is 2nd most-requested item at South MS water park. And it’s on the way
In its 20th anniversary year, Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport will for the first time serve beer, and hopes to soon secure a separate state permit for liquor and wine sales.
“It just gives us the opportunity to make our guests happy,” general manager Mark Moore said after detailing the water park’s plans for the Gulfport City Council.
The water park leases its land from the city and needed the council’s permission to serve alcoholic beverages. The council voted in favor of alcohol sales at the water park.
The state has already issued a beer permit for the park, while its liquor and wine permit is pending with Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control. Moore hopes to have the liquor license in two weeks to a month.
More of the water park’s customers have been requesting alcoholic beverages, Moore said. In fact, he said, alcohol is the second most-requested item, right behind calls for a gargantuan water slide that would cost $2 million or more, he said.
“Most people are looking to just grab a beer as part of their relaxation,” Moore said.
Gulf Islands plans to serve pre-mixed drinks in cans. The park won’t have a traditional bar with a well and liquor bottles. Moore noted that glass and water parks don’t mix.
Regardless of age, customers will need to produce identification showing they are 21 or older before they will be served alcohol, he said. The bar is only about 10 feet from the main office, he said, so managers will be able to keep a close eye on it.
Moore hopes alcohol sales boost revenue. But he said customer satisfaction is the No. 1 goal.
This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
