Moratorium on downtown Orlando nightclubs could extend into 2024

ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando on Monday will consider extending a measure put in place earlier this year to keep downtown residents and visitors safe.

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The Orlando City Council could give the initial green light to extend the temporary moratorium placed on nightclubs March 20.

The new ordinance would keep the current moratorium, set to expire on Sept. 20, in place for another six months.

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It would continue to impact nightclubs and bars within the Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency area.

Since the current ordinance went into effect, city leaders said they have been looking at ways to regulate nightclubs but said they need more time to conduct research.

Officials said reasons for enacting the moratorium included improving safety and security in downtown as well as curbing loitering, noise and public intoxication.

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They also noted that allowing more venues that cater only to nighttime patrons could cause a lack of business downtown during daytime hours.

Monday’s council meeting is set to begin at 2 p.m.

If council members approve the initial reading of the ordinance, it will be up for public comment and final reading at the next Orlando City Council meeting Aug. 14.

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If passed, the temporary moratorium would remain in effect until March 20, 2024.

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