Orlando leaders put hold on any new after-hours nightclubs

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando city leaders are trying to stay ahead of possible crime downtown.

City commissioners voted to put a temporary hold on any new after-hours nightclubs, shortly after one opened, prompting concerns.

Most bars and clubs in Orlando can stay open until 2 a.m., and that’s when people generally go to after-hours clubs.

While the businesses can’t serve alcohol, city commissioners have concerns.

Club Nokturnal on Amelia Street is the city’s only after-hours nightclub and its recent opening was quickly noticed by the city.

“When the first club opened, we all said we need to take a close look at this since we don’t really have any regulations relating to the after-hours operations,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Commissioners are moving forward with a moratorium on any new after-hours clubs.

They want more information about possible crime, noise and vandalism that the clubs may bring.

The mayor said this type of business is relatively new to Orlando nightlife.

“On a Friday and Saturday night it’s pretty busy. But, like I said, normally after 2 o’clock, nobody’s really out and about,” said Ashley Jane Morrow, who works downtown.

The time for “last call” varies from city to city in Florida. Some clubs in Miami serve alcohol up until 5 a.m. In Orlando, it’s generally 2 a.m., but the city allows clubs to stay open until 7 a.m. if they don’t serve alcohol.

“Other cities like Miami and New York, they can kind of stay and linger on,” Morrow said.

Orlando leaders want to create a task force to look at the after-hours industry.

“We just want to look at all things related to operating clubs after the other clubs in downtown close,” Dyer said.

The moratorium won't stop Club Nokturnal from operating.

A neighboring business says it hasn't had any issues since the club opened.

The issue will need to come before the city council one more time.

If approved, the moratorium would last until October of next year.

WFTV