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Heatwave secures alcohol sales exception after zoning debate

A new concept has emerged to replace Stonewall Bar Orlando at 741 W. Church St. (Ryan Lynch/OBJ)
(Ryan Lynch/OBJ)

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Heatwave, the LGBTQ+ food, drink and entertainment venue set to replace Stonewall Bar Orlando at 741 W. Church St., has secured an exception to zoning restrictions previously blocking its ability to sell alcohol.

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Because the venue is within 300 yards of a residential neighborhood and close to a church, the city’s zoning officials have the discretion to impose alcohol sales restrictions, which was a point of concern for the venue.

Heatwave co-owner Kevin Varanai told Orlando Business Journal in a Feb. 19 email, “We were able to get an exception for the residential area as one of [the] lots that touches our radius is an empty lot and the other is a business.”

Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.

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