A new petition was launched this week, urging city officials to reconsider a pending proposal that would mandate downtown bars and nightlife venues to close at midnight. The initiative, launched by a local entrepreneur planning to open Anthem (Website), a forthcoming LGBTQ+ venue in the former Saddle Up storefront, had already garnered over 500 signatures at the time of this post.
Proponents of the petition argue that downtown Orlando’s nightlife is a vital economic engine, contributing approximately, “$480 million annually and supporting nearly 6,000 jobs.” They contend that the proposed early closures threaten not only individual businesses but also the broader cultural and economic fabric of the city.
Many downtown venues have implemented extensive safety protocols, including ID scanners, surveillance cameras, and participation in programs like S.A.F.E., in order to qualify for a permit to operate after midnight. Additionally, those businesses incur significant costs by hiring off-duty police officers at rates reportedly around $90 per hour, with some establishments spending upwards of $300,000 over two years to comply with safety mandates, based on the size of their venue and the number of officers they are required to hire according to City Hall.
The petition emphasizes that issues such as disturbances and crime predominantly occur on public streets, beyond the control of individual venues. It advocates for targeted enforcement and community strategies to address these concerns without imposing blanket restrictions that could adversely affect compliant businesses.
Click HERE to read the petition for yourself and/or sign it.