No new nightclubs in Orlando, and special permits for downtown bars

The Orlando City Council has made some changes that could impact the nightlife in downtown Orlando. On Monday afternoon, they voted to impose a six-month moratorium on new nightclubs and add a special permit for bars in the Downtown Entertainment Area that sell alcohol after midnight. This move is reminiscent of the crackdown on after-hours nightclubs that happened during the 90s rave scene in downtown Orlando.

The city council's intention with this move is to create a different mix of businesses downtown. They want to ensure that there is a balance between businesses that cater to locals and those that cater to tourists. This moratorium will allow the city council to plan better and make sure that they have the right mix of businesses in downtown Orlando.

The permits that have been introduced are intended to improve safety. They come with new requirements for metal detectors and ID scanners. These requirements will help prevent violence and keep the patrons of these bars safe. The permits also require nightclubs with a capacity of 125 or more to cover the ongoing cost of 30 extra-duty police officers patrolling the whole area on weekend nights. This move will ensure that there is a greater police presence in the area and make it safer for everyone.

Mayor Buddy Dyer has defended this move and said that it's only fair for those who are making money between 12 and 2 o'clock to bear that burden. He believes that this ordinance is a step in the right direction and will create a safer environment for everyone.

The city council has also reworked the permits after meetings with bar owners. They have cut the price for extra police and eased penalties for permit violators. These changes have been made to ensure that bar owners can still run their businesses without facing too much financial burden.

The special permits have passed with a vote of 5-2. Commissioner Tony Ortiz has argued that making the 47 larger nightclubs pay all the cost of extra-duty officers is unfair. However, Commissioner Jim Gray wanted tougher measures to be implemented.

It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the nightlife scene in downtown Orlando. Some may see it as a positive move that will create a safer environment, while others may view it as a negative move that could hinder the growth of the nightlife industry in the city. Only time will tell how this will play out.