Mayor Christi Fraga's latest move could dim the neon lights of Doral's nightlife. In sweeping proposals sparked by the deadly April 6 shooting at Martini Bar, Fraga seeks to shut down alcohol sales at 1:30 a.m., and roll down the shutters of bars and nightclubs by 2 a.m., a curfew that some say could clobber the city's after-dark economy. The proposals, coming to a vote at the Doral City Council meeting this Wednesday, are named after George Alejandro Castellano, a security guard who died in the incident that left two dead and several injured, WSVN reported.
The mayor argues that the new measures, which also include the mandatory installation of security cameras and the use of wands for weapons detection at bar entrances, are necessary for public safety in what she describes as "a family-oriented community." However, the local drinking and dancing venues, seven in total which have been identified as directly impacted by the proposed curfew, are singing a bluesy tune at the thought of the tighter restrictions. "We would not survive this hit," Louis J. Terminello, co-owner of Martini Bar, warns of the proposed chop to operating hours, in a statement obtained by the Miami Herald.
Despite the pushback from local watering holes, Fraga remains firm in her stance, bolstered by a city analysis that seemingly forecasts no happy hour for the future of late-night revelry in Doral. With safety at the forefront of this legislative dance, the mayor's regulations focus on preventing another tragedy, forcing a last call that could signal the end time for more than just the evening's festivities.
Not all council members are ready to tap out, however, with three indicating to the Miami Herald that they are skeptical about the proposed swift and broad changes aimed at clamping down on businesses. Terminello, who doubles as a hospitality industry legal expert, pointed out that mass shootings have occurred in other public venues too, like movie theaters and schools, yet no one is cutting their operations short. "A preliminary study we conducted shows most of our weekend sales are from 1 to 3:30 a.m," he added, arguing that Doral residents would likely take their party spends elsewhere if the ordinance comes to pass. Lugo manager for Baru Doral Resto-Bar, also expressed his concerns, noting that although the establishment aligns with the safety protocols, an early closure will deal a significant financial blow.
As the city council readies to weigh in on Fraga's proposal, the fate of Doral's nights hang in the balance, dependent on whether the leaders choose to light a candle for the businesses or snuff it out in the name of public safety. Either way, the decision is set to redefine the rhythm of night life in this Floridian urban sprawl.
