WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — The city of Winter Garden has rung in the New Year with a bold move to reshape its nightlife.
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Starting January 1, a new law limits alcohol sales after midnight for restaurants and bars without a permit, which must be visible inside and outside the business.
Seven Winter Garden businesses impacted include:
- Hagan O’Reilly’s Irish Pub
- Mr. Shots Cantina
- Miller’s Ale House
- Cariera’s Fresh Italian
- Pilar’s Martini & Loft
- Whole Enchilada
- Tony’s Liquor
Establishments that want to serve alcohol between midnight and 2 am must have an approved extension of hours permit, which costs establishment owners $250 a year.
The city may also require a restaurant or bar to provide private security or police protection for the purpose of traffic control during the hours.
The cost of police protection or private security will vary depending on the level required by the Winter Garden’s Chief of Police.
The city said the $250 covers the expenses of city staff time needed to review and process the applications.
There is also a fee associated with the Fine Dining Establishment application to cover Staff review costs.
An official with the city said every establishment that serves alcohol does not have to apply. The permit, application, and fees are only for establishments that choose to be open later than midnight or be classified as a “Fine Dining Establishment.”
Back in November, the city said the new ordinance was because of ongoing issues related to public intoxication and late-night alcohol consumption.
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“It’s based on what we find, kind of what we find as an aftermath the next morning. Our park staff must clean up the detritus and stuff from the night before,” said the City of Winter Garden.
The city said it has received seven (7) applications for the new Extension of Hours permit, four (4) establishments have already received permit approval, and no permits have been denied so far.
The four establishments that have already received permit approval are Pilars, The Whole Enchilada, Miller’s Ale House, and Tony’s Liquors. The three (3) applications that have not yet been processed include Lucky Straws Boba Tea Café, Mr. Shot Cantina, and Cariera’s Fresh Italian.
The city said that the ordinance in place helps preserve its family-friendly environment and comes with a three-strike rule.
If a business is found in violation of the ordinance, there is a warning. Second, the business will be required to meet with the city and submit a mitigation plan to fix the problem, and if the problems continue, the business will go in front of the Code Enforcement Board or hearing officer appointed by the city to consider suspension.
Suspensions shall be for a period of thirty (30) days, beginning on the date following the finding of suspension.
If no additional violations occur within the consecutive three-month period, then no further action shall be taken by the city against the establishment.
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