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Proposal would allow Orange County businesses to sell alcohol earlier

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County is looking at changing the time when restaurants and hotels can serve alcohol.

Businesses currently can’t serve until 11 a.m.

Any changes could create competition in the tourist corridor, where few businesses are within Orlando city limits.

Orlando allows alcohol to be served earlier.

Mark Healy, the owner of Murphy’s Pub on International Drive, said he already knows the benefits of being able to sell beer at 7 a.m.

His business is within Orlando city limits, but all the other pubs on International Drive fall within the county.

Healy said he’s been getting the business that his competitors can’t, even though they’re across the street.

“They are open, don't get me wrong--they just cannot serve. They can only serve soft drinks,” said Healy.

While serving at 7 a.m. might seem early, it’s not to tourists coming from the United Kingdom who want to watch a match on vacation.

Across the pond, 7 a.m. is noon.

“We'll have people waiting at 6:30 to get in for that game,” said Healy.

The proposal would also apply to hotels in the county.

It was prompted by a request from the Central Florida Hospitality and Lodging Association, which wanted county businesses and hotels to compete with those within the city of Orlando.

“Competition is good, I guess. We'll have to step it up,” said Healy.

Who can sell what and when depends on what county leaders decide to do with the ordinance.

County leaders will take up the proposal May 9 and if it's passed, it would take effect six days later.