Orlando approves ordinance placing restrictions on new downtown nightclubs
Orlando approves new nightclub ordinance
In a unanimous vote, Orlando City Commissioners lifted a moratorium on new bar and nightclub construction and imposed a limit on the distance between existing bars or clubs. The construction moratorium was enacted in 2023 after shootings and reported violence downtown.
ORLANDO, Fla. - In a unanimous vote, Orlando City Commissioners lifted a moratorium on new bar and nightclub construction and imposed a limit on the distance between existing bars or clubs.
The construction moratorium was enacted in 2023 after shootings and reported violence downtown.
Under the new ordinance, new clubs and bars must be spread out by at least 300 feet, or essentially one bar per block.
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The city says the new rule promotes a more family-friendly atmosphere downtown and increases safety.
City Commissioner for District Four Patty Sheehan said, "We just have too many bars and too much going on — and I walk through downtown, sometimes. I see the craziness. I hear the craziness!"
She continued, "We need to get the situation under control -and it’s not that we don’t want people to have a good time."
While the idea is to promote a safer downtown district, bartender Isabella Gibson says the measure affects her employer. She works at Game Room Orlando.
She said downtown is already safe enough to begin with.
"They have Disney Springs; they have that entire area; Downtown has always been the safe space for adults to go out to enjoy themselves," Gibson said.
The dozens of nightclubs and bars currently operating downtown are grandfathered in – meaning they will not have to pick up and move 300 feet to remain in business.
However, it won't be permitted if a current bar or nightclub tries to expand.
Also, under the new rule, if a bar or nightclub is forced to close for more than six months, it will be closed permanently.
"It hurts the people not only who come out but the people who work here. This is our livelihoods. This is how we get through life, and if you want to shut down bars, we can't keep going," Gibson said.
The new rule officially takes effect on September 21, replacing the year-long moratorium.