Orlando Florida. – A proposal being discussed in the Orlando City Council aims to ban new nightlife businesses in the city while regulating the sale of alcohol in existing bars and prohibiting the opening of new businesses. If approved, the measure will come into effect on March 20.
Orlando bars could face the new rules if city officials pass this measure that regulates this type of business.
The potential ordinance seeks to establish “a balance” in the city center that caters to both visitors and area residents.
Ban on new discos
The measure would be temporary for six months. However, it leaves the possibility for the authorities to extend it for another six months, if necessary.
Specifically, the order suspends the acceptance, processing, and review of any applications for development orders, development permits, building permits, and zoning approvals for any new nightclub uses ( including change of use and substantial improvement).
New hours for the sale of alcohol
The measure would also change the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol within the Downtown Entertainment District (DEA) boundaries to midnight.
Businesses wishing to sell until 2 a.m. must present a “Permit to sell alcohol after midnight”.
The proposed permit would require such businesses to apply for and obtain the permit by May 1, 2023. The proposed permit application fee is $250.
They are also required to have police protection and security, which could include:
Additional police protection service outside of the business as determined by the Chief of Police, depending on the size of the business, incident history, among others.
This additional security would be required from Friday 10 p.m. to Saturday 4 a.m., from Saturday 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Sunday and from Sunday to Monday 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
In addition, it may be necessary to obtain a weapons detection system (eg metal detectors) at all entrances between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., depending on company capacity.
Authorities are looking to improve “the center’s security, especially during the evening hours when most violent crime occurs.”