Restrictions on New Bars in Downtown Orlando

There is a heated debate taking place around the future of downtown Orlando, Florida. It seems that Orlando is currently in limbo as to how to entice people to work, live and play downtown with an increase of crime noted by the OPD highlighted during a recent exchange. “Here are the statistics from OPD in the month of June: arrests 144, fights 22, disturbances 37, firearms seize 24 — if that’s the kind of downtown we want at night, we got it,” Commissioner Jim Gray said. “We spend too much time talking about the night time economy. What we need to be talking about more is the daytime economy.” At the moment there is a ban on new bars in Orlando's downtown that is currently in place is set to expire in September.

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The Orlando City Council approved a first reading that will basically be a continuation of limiting bars downtown on Monday. Many like District 1 Commissioner Jim Gray believe the negative nightlife experience is limiting the ability of corporations and major businesses from moving their headquarters downtown even with Florida being very business friendly.

But critics said the ordinance will impact businesses and property owners, especially existing club owners despite a grandfathering status clause in the ordinance: Existing businesses will be grandfathered in, but can not sell or expand the business. Commissioner Tony Ortiz was a vote for no.

Tony wanted to be clear on why “Let me put this first: I’m all for diversity downtown. We need more cafes, shops, restaurants. I also understand for property owners. For them, I think we need to really establish a plan,” Ortiz said. “We can do this by bringing in more cameras, cameras that could also assist on facial and tag reads, every person coming in and out of a parking lot. Private parking lots, I’m sure because I’ve talked to a lot of the owners; they are willing to also get involved in this.” These measures have others concerned about privacy, but a balance needs to be struck to move forward.

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The recent push was renewed by the city after an increase in crime downtown continued to trend up after lockdowns from the pandemic were lifted.

If passed after another public hearing, bars would be required to not be located closer than 300 feet from another.

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City staff told commissioners places like near by Tampa, Ft Lauderdale and even Miami Beach have similar bar bans in place in their nightlife districts.

Commissioner Ortiz says increasing surveillance downtown can help deter crime.

“I think a lot of this can be done through technology. Through cameras, putting up signs. Someone coming with thoughts of committing a crime, when they know there are cameras all over the place, it can deter whatever that person was thinking,” Ortiz said.

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This proposed ordinance requires a second public hearing which will come on the next regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 12.

The following definitions were approved and adopted by the City Council at the December 5, 2022, meeting:

Bar: A commercial establishment where the principal use is the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises. Entertainment and limited food options may be offered but are incidental to the sale of alcoholic beverages. This includes restaurants where greater than 49% of the gross revenue is derived from alcoholic beverage sales.

Nightclub: Any establishment which provides entertainment after midnight, including but not limited to floor shows, assembly areas, live bands, DJ’s, dancing (by patrons or employees) or other forms of entertainment. These establishments typically have a cover charge or admission, a dance floor or assembly area, offer bottle service, or sell/rent private booths, areas or rooms (excluding theaters).

Restaurant: A commercial establishment that is open to the public where food and drink is prepared for on-site consumption. Take out or meal delivery may occur but onsite consumption must be able to occur. Restaurants must be licensed through the State of Florida and must derive at least 51% of gross revenue from sales of food and non-alcoholic beverages. Food shall be continuously ready to be prepared, served, and sold during all business operational hours, including when alcoholic beverages are sold, otherwise the use may be a bar or nightclub.

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