ORLANDO, Fla. – Several downtown Orlando bar owners filed a federal lawsuit last year challenging a city ordinance that has been in effect since May 2023.
The ordinance, part of a crackdown on crime following several shootings, requires certain bars to pay for police protection between 10:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m.
Yesterday, a judge denied the businesses’ request to pause the ordinance while the lawsuit proceeds in court.
Last fall, a handful of bar owners sued the city of Orlando and the police chief, arguing the after-midnight alcohol sales ordinance imposes an unconstitutional financial burden. They say it selectively targets their businesses while exempting other venues.
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The lawsuit also points to city-owned venues such as Camping World Stadium and the Dr. Phillips Center, which draw tens of thousands of visitors into downtown streets and parking lots. These venues serve alcohol but do not participate in the after-midnight permit program, the plaintiffs said.
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In denying the request to halt the ordinance, the judge wrote, “The court concludes that the motion fails because it does not establish irreparable harm.” The judge also noted that the plaintiffs delayed filing the suit for several months after the alleged harm and further delayed filing the motion.
This ruling means the ordinance remains in effect and the businesses must continue paying for security until a final judgment is reached.
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