Orlando Bar Owners Challenge Police Fees with Lawsuit

Orlando’s Downtown Bar Owners Fight Back with Lawsuit

In the heart of downtown Orlando, the vibrant bar and club scene, known for its nightlife, is gearing up for a serious showdown with the city. Bar owners have rallied together and sought a preliminary injunction to put a halt to the controversial police protection fees imposed on their businesses. This collective effort, filed on February 27, comes in response to new regulations that hit hard at venues selling alcohol past midnight.

The Legal Battle Unfolds

The U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida Orlando Division, under Judge Wendy Berger, is set to hear this important injunction request. The owners of seven popular downtown hangouts—including 64 North, The Patio, Aero, The Corner, The Social, The Beacham, and Celine Orlando—have all joined forces in a lawsuit originally filed back in September.

Claims of Unconstitutional Fees

At the heart of the lawsuit is the assertion that the city of Orlando, along with Police Chief Eric Smith, is placing an unconstitutional financial burden on these businesses, threatening their very survival. Some establishments could face police protection fees soaring as high as $591,120 annually, numbers that many argue could be the kiss of death for businesses already feeling the pinch of economic pressures.

The Crime Connection

Interestingly, the lawsuit points out that incidents of violent crime haven’t been specifically linked to these bars. Instead, it notes these events tend to happen in areas controlled by the city, such as parking garages. This has raised eyebrows among bar owners, as they feel unfairly targeted by regulations meant to address broader public safety concerns.

City’s Defense

The rationale from city officials stems from a recent spike in late-night crime as alcohol is served. The city is asserting its authority and responsibility to ensure public welfare, which is why these new regulations came into play. However, bar owners argue that these imposed fees only add to their existing struggles, which have already been exacerbated by various COVID-19 restrictions that hurt their operations in the past.

Growing Tensions

The ongoing complaints about these hefty fees have reportedly been met with threats of further restrictions from city officials, creating a charged atmosphere that leaves many feeling anxious about the future. As of September 2024, bar owners found themselves facing nearly $850,000 in accumulated fees—despite already investing in security personnel to keep their patrons safe.

Rights at Stake

The lawsuit argues that such fees violate the owners’ due process rights and contravene constitutional amendments designed to protect individuals from unreasonable financial penalties. In addition to seeking monetary damages, they demand a permanent injunction against the city’s controversial ordinance.

The Downtown Scene’s Tough Times

As the legal battle unfolds, the downtown Orlando bar scene recalls a time when it thrived. Unfortunately, recent challenges have led to the closure of several long-standing businesses, all while rising crime rates and safety concerns loom large. Some are left wondering whether iconic bars will survive this tough landscape.

A Vision for the Future

In response to these ongoing challenges, Mayor Buddy Dyer has proposed plans aimed at making downtown more pedestrian-friendly. It remains to be seen if these changes will help revitalization efforts that may restore some vibrancy to the nightlife scene, or if further legal battles are on the horizon for Orlando’s bar owners.