Governor DeSantis signed in a new bill that will allow smaller restaurants to be eligible for liquor sales.
HB 1647 allows smaller restaurants to be eligible for Special Food Service liquor licenses if they are located in Orlando Main Street districts. Previously, Florida limited the number of licenses that could be issued but this new bill will allow for the following exceptions for Orlando Main Street businesses.
- Businesses must have at least1,800 SF of space.
- Businesses must have at least 80 seats/150 guests to qualify.
- Businesses must be licensed by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
- Businesses must make at least 51 percent of their revenue from the sale of food and nonalcoholi beverages.
Click HERE for more information.
I’d like to think that Maxines On Shine had a little something to do with us. From 2012 until 2018 we worked relentlessly with the city in trying to figure out how small restaurants could be competitive by getting a liquor license and not having to pay the exorbitant fees of owning a liquor mortgage.
We were so grateful when the house bill 1447 passed in April 2018 it did not make us millionaires but it helped us to be competitive and stay in business!
It’s so wonderful to see this expansion. it’s really going to change the Orlando dining scene in the next several years. We will see younger chefs taking bigger chances on 1800 ft.². We will see chefs come from other cities taking chances. I think a real restaurant renaissance it’s gonna take Place the likes of which we have not seen in a very long time in our city beautiful.
Another reminder of the lack of equity and inclusion in Orlando. We all know that there are no “main street districts” west of Division Street. Need I say more?
ACtually, West Lakes just got one and Parramore and OBT have been adopted into the new City District, but there should be more on that side of town – you’re right.