The City of Doral has taken a firm stance on nightlife operations, mandating earlier last call times and enforcing stringent security measures for bars and lounges. In a recent ruling, as reported by Miami Herald, a judge has sided with the city, confirming that these regulations, including the 1:30 a.m. cut-off for alcohol sales, stand within the bounds of legality.
According to NBC Miami, these new ordinances, taking effect come Oct. 1, are a response to safety concerns following a lethal mass shooting at the Martini Bar in City Place Doral this past April. The sad incident claimed the lives of two individuals, amongst them a young father, beseeching a contemplation of what it means to protect the community amidst the thrum of commerce and revelry.
Bars applying for an extended hours permit are now expected to put forth a security plan, sanctioned by the police department. The requirements include maintaining a security guard on the premises, with every patron to be examined via a metal-detecting wand. All establishments must also ensure their locations are thoroughly surveilled by an adequate number of security cameras. In speaking to NBC Miami, Doral City Attorney Raul Gastesi emphasized that, "Yes, Martini Bar’s revenues and other bars’ revenues may go down some, but it’s an issue of public safety. That is the first function of government."
After the introduction of these rules, The Martini Bar launched a lawsuit against the City of Doral in July, which was subsequently dismissed in August. Gastesi remarked, should The Martini Bar file an appeal, a minimum delay of 45 days could stall the regulations. "Grandfathering is a zoning concept. This is not a zoning issue. This is the sale of alcohol issue," Gastesi elucidated. Violations of the mandate could incur fines up to $1,000 per day, and in some cases, result in arrest, according to statements made to NBC Miami.
The CEO of Doral Yard, Danny Ruiz, voiced concerns over the financial strain these ordinances might cause, particularly for bars with extended hours permits. "It’s going to affect them and then you’re cutting their hours of operation in what is probably their highest revenue," Ruiz communicated in an interview with NBC Miami. While appreciating the city’s initiative to enhance security, Ruiz wished that city leaders had engaged more establishments in dialogue prior to passing the new requirements, expressing, "It’s very easy for politicians or those in public service to tell other people what to do when they’ve probably never run a business in their life. Although I appreciate the notion of security, I think it should be left up to the owners of the business to determine what is best for their business."
