Task force pushes for permanent ban on after-hours nightclubs in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando’s downtown task force wants the city to ban after-hours night clubs.

Last year, a hold was put in place on after-hours clubs while the group considered potential safety risks and costs.

The group believes the clubs would pull law enforcement from protecting other areas.

Police officers are used to patrol bars staying open until 2 a.m, and anything beyond that would mean the city needs additional resources.

Steve Quesenberry has lived in Orlando for more than 20 years.

He said he doesn’t bar hop anymore, but thinks others should have a place to go beyond 2 a.m.

But next Monday, Orlando City Council members will consider making a temporary ban on after-hours nightclubs permanent.

When Nokturnal opened on Amelia Street last December, the city placed a moratorium on opening any new clubs that stay open after 2 a.m.

“Something that came up last year, when one individual club opened up in our downtown and we knew it was a new aspect that we really wanted to study,” said David Borilla, Orlando Downtown Development Board assistant director.

Nokturnal is now closed, but the city formed a task force which has studied the downtown area for the past eight months, and held more than 30 meetings.

The task force found after-hours nightclubs could place additional strain on public safety resources.

They could also cause additional noise complaints from residents, and also lead to city staff having to pour more resources into cleaning streets and sidewalks.

“So you’re looking at additional public safety concerns, from additional Orlando Police Department individuals having to staff that time, to additional members of the Orlando Fire Department,” said Barilla.

The task force will continue to study downtown, looking at safety ideas like lighting.

The issue on after-hour clubs will go before the council Monday, then back to council one more time before a final vote.

Cox Media Group