ORLANDO, Fla.,None — A legal loophole in Orange County's alcohol laws has led to controversial "after-hours" clubs opening across the county.
Orange County Commissioner Scott Boyd said the clubs are not breaking any laws, but are leading to an increase in crime. Boyd sent a letter to Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the other commissioners, claiming the clubs are requiring sheriff deputies to respond to their locations often.
"It's just become a major problem," said Boyd.
The Royal Santa Fe is located in a shopping center off West Colonial Drive. It is referred to as a banquet hall and ballroom, but operates as an after-hours club.
It serves alcohol after the legal cutoff of 2 a.m., when other restaurants and bars must close their doors.
Boyd said the Royal Santa Fe is not violating any Orange County laws.
The county code allows a party promoter to charge a fee to enter an event. Then a separate caterer can host the party and serve alcohol past the cutoff.
In the last two years, Orange County deputies responded to the Royal Santa Fe 235 times for incidents ranging from noise complaints to fights and shootings.
Boyd said he is trying to close the loophole.
"If it wasn't so violent, it would be alright," said a Royal Santa Fe customer, who didn't want to be identified. "It's too violent, so I would agree with them."
Boyd said he is concerned more of the after-hours clubs will open during the NBA All Star game in Orlando next month.
Orange County commissioners will discuss the loophole during a meeting next week.