WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – A new ordinance that went into effect New Year’s Day limits the sale of alcohol after midnight for restaurants and bars in Winter Garden without a special permit.
According to the ordinance, city officials cited several negative impacts of selling, serving or consuming alcoholic beverages after midnight:
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- Increased loud and disruptive behavior from patrons.
- A shift in focus from shopping and family activities to drinking alcohol.
- Higher costs for the city due to more police patrols and law enforcement efforts.
- An environment that is not conducive to a healthy, family-friendly atmosphere.
To address these issues, the city aims to promote a family-friendly environment in its Historic Downtown District and other areas by limiting the sale of alcohol after midnight.
“...No alcoholic beverages may be sold, consumed, served or permitted to be served or consumed in any place holding a beverage license between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m.,” the ordinance reads.
The Extension of Hours Permit allows patrons to consume beer, wine, or alcoholic beverages on the premises until 2 a.m. However, the establishment must close to the public at 2 a.m., and all patrons must leave immediately.
The establishment cannot reopen until 7 a.m.
If the business fails to follow the new law, they will be met with a three-strike system as follows:
- The establishment shall be issued a warning notice.
- A second notice will be issued and a required meeting with city officials including, city manager, police and fire chief, and others.
- A third notice shall be issued, and matter will be brought to the Code Enforcement Board to consider suspension or nullification of the Extension of Hours Permit.
Businesses will receive a decal in addition to the permit, issued by the city, that must be placed in a visible location.
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