Local

Commissioners might extend alcohol-sale times at Orange County hotels

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County commissioners are entertaining the idea of allowing hotels to sell alcohol earlier in the day.

Hotel officials said that would keep them in competition with other counties.

However, bar owners argue that that would add to their competition.

For more than 20 years, the Lucky Leprechaun on International Drive has been the pub of choice for many a European looking to have a pint and watch some football.

But the game may be changing.

"It's hard to know how it will affect us," said Errol Cameron of Lucky Leprechaun.

Currently, hotels can sell alcohol starting at 11 a.m., but commissioners are proposing changing that to 7 a.m. The reason is that other nearby counties allow earlier alcohol sales times, and that means competition.

"When you look at what is around us, Seminole County, Osceola County, the city of Orlando, all have operating hours similar to what we're talking about," said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.

If hotels can start selling alcohol earlier that means it’s a chance to capture a tourist or convention goer for the day.

Instead of getting a ride to a bar, they would just go to their hotel’s bar.

“If they are able to do the same sort of thing, put football there and keep them there, than it would affect us," Cameron said.

Part of the move is an effort to streamline the rules.

Golf courses already sell alcohol at 7 a.m., and drinks can also be delivered to hotel rooms early in the morning.

Commissioners will meet again in February to decide.

Read more stories on WFTV.com:

Cox Media Group

Most Read