City Code Updates to Nightclubs and Alcohol Sales in Downtown
Together, we have made significant investments to revitalize downtown into the thriving neighborhood and economic hub it is today. A key focus of these efforts is centered around ensuring the foundation of our downtown neighborhood is a safe place that offers a balance of uses that can serve all the needs of the residents, visitors and businesses of today’s downtown.
As we look to continue to meet the needs of our downtown, city staff have been working on changes to the city code aimed at enhancing safety and balancing the city’s resources.
Code Changes
The City of Orlando is implementing new regulations to manage the concentration of nightclubs within the Downtown Entertainment Area (DEA). The updated Land Development Code (LDC) mandates a minimum distance of 300 feet between nightclubs in this area. This regulation aims to address issues such as noise, trash, loitering, and disorderly conduct that can arise from an overconcentration of nightclubs.
Additionally, the changes will encourage a more diverse mix of daytime activities within the DEA. The ordinance removes the need for Late Night Uses to obtain a Special Use Permit, simplifying the approval process for nightclub operations. These measures align with the City's Growth Management Plan and are designed to protect public health, safety, and welfare while promoting a vibrant and balanced downtown environment.
Nightclub Distance Separation Ordinance(PDF, 157KB)
The permit requires these businesses to:
- Apply and obtain permit by May 1, 2023. The cost of the permit application is $250.
- Obtain police protection and security, which could include:
- Extra duty law enforcement protection outside the business as determined by the Police Chief.
- This determination will be based on objective factors outlined in the ordinance (size and type of establishment, traffic needs, history of violent incidents, etc.)
- This would be required Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 p.m. – 3:30 a.m and on the five major holidays in downtown (St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Fourth of July, Halloween and New Years Eve)
- May be required to obtain a weapons detection system (e.g. metal detectors) at all entrances between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- Must scan all patrons entering between 10 p.m. and closing
- Required for all establishments holding a full liquor license (e.g. 4COP Quota, 4COP/SFS, 11CT)
- If an establishments occupancy is 50 persons or greater, hand-held system (wanding) is required
- Establishments with occupancy of 49 and lower are exempt
- Walk-through system may be required for violators
- State licensed security is only required if a weapons detection system is required
- Implement Identification (driver license/passport) scanners for all patrons entering between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- Required for all establishments holding a full liquor license (e.g. 4COP Quota, 4COP/SFS, 11CT).
- Must reject entry to anyone using a fake or duplicate ID.
- Obtain and utilize an occupancy load monitor system
- Applies to all establishment types.
- An accurate count must be kept between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- Count must be provided to all city officials upon request.
The requirements of the permit will be enforced primarily by the city’s Code Enforcement Division and Fire Marshall.
- Violations of non-compliance will be cited accordingly.
- Upon a finding by the city’s Code Enforcement Manager of a violation of the enumerated City Codes or Florida Statutes as outlined in the ordinance, any combination thereof, or any violation of any terms of the Permit; the establishment’s permit shall be suspended or revoked as follows:
- Tiers of violations depending on violation type
- 1-3 violations prior to suspension, depending on type of violation
- Establishment/employee culpability (knowingly, reckless, gross negligence or negligence) for most violations, strict liability for some
- Only public safety violations
- Hearing officer appointed by the city
- Suspensions are 30 days
Reapplication after Revocation:
- Any suspension or revocation will be decided by a hearing officer appointed by the city
- This is similar to the Vehicle For Hire process.
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Appeals - 14 days after the issuance of an order of suspension or revocation, the establishment may request a hearing before the Code Enforcement Board.
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After a revocation, an establishment can reapply for a permit after no less than 365 days. The reapplication must include information explaining the actions that the establishment has taken to prevent the violations that resulted in the past revocation.
Download the After Midnight Alcohol Sales Permit Ordinance(PDF, 203KB)
Download the After Midnight Alcohol Sales Policies(PDF, 190KB)
Timeline
- January 23, 2023 – 1st read of ordinances and SAFE program expansion at City Council
- March 20, 2023 – 2nd read of ordinances and Fee Resolution at City Council
- March 20, 2023 - Moratorium goes into effect
- May 1, 2023 - After Midnight Alcohol Sales Permit requirement goes into effect
- SAFE program bonus incentive application deadline
- July 17, 2023 - 1st read of proposed moratorium six-month extension
- August 14, 2023 - 2nd read of proposed moratorium six-month extension
- March 20, 2024 – Original six-month extension of moratorium expiration date
- February 19, 2024 - 1st read of proposed moratorium six-month extension
- March 25, 2024 - 2nd read of proposed moratorium six-month extension
- March 25, 2024 - Moratorium goes into effect
- August 12, 2024 - Orlando City Council approves Nightclub Distance Separation Ordinance
Definition of a Bar, Nightclub and Restaurant
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.
FAQs
After Midnight Permit
If you want to sell alcohol for onsite consumption between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m. in the Downtown Entertainment Area, you will need an After-Midnight Alcohol Sales Permit.
Apply for the permit
A business that is selling alcohol after midnight will be required to apply for the Extended Sales of Alcohol Permit but will not be required to also apply for a Special Use Permit.
Civic auditoriums and sports arenas, public lodging establishments (hotels) and movie theatres.
Their principal business is not the sale, service or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The Downtown Development Board will be doing stakeholder outreach throughout the public process. The ordinance also requires two readings before the City Council which will allow for additional public participation as well.
A new application for permit and all renewal applications will be accompanied by a non-refundable fee – $250 for an annual permit. This fee will be utilized by the city for its costs to administer the permit program, as well as inspecting and regulating to ensure compliance.
Permits are effective for a 12-month term (unless revoked or suspended) and must be renewed annually.
Establishments will need to have the permit in hand on May 1, 2023.
SAFE Program Amendments
To increase program participation and further incentivize the implementation of security measures that give locals and tourists alike an added sense of safety.
Encouraging downtown properties to improve safety measures will be beneficial to citizens and attract more people to downtown Orlando.
- Security Cameras
- Metal Detectors
- Identification Scanners
No grants will be awarded retroactively, which means that funding will not be awarded for eligible products purchased before the approval date of a funding agreement.