Orlando leaders approve new security rules for downtown bars, nightclubs

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando city leaders approved two new rules for downtown bars and nightclubs on Monday.

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They were proposed as measures to make people safer.

However, some business owners say they go too far.

Businessowners understand the city is taking steps to make downtown safer after dark. But from a business standpoint, they said this is really going to hurt their bottom line.

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After a number of downtown shootings last year Orlando elected officials have decided to take matters into their own hands.

The two approved ordinances are meant to make downtown safer.

One creates a moratorium that stops new nightclubs from opening for at least six months.

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The second requires businesses that want to serve alcohol after midnight to have a permit.

But it doesn’t stop there. They also must hire off-duty officers and take other measures to increase safety.

Businesses with more than 125 people inside would have to pay for extra police security not just for themselves but across the entire downtown area.

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The amount each business would pay would be based on occupancy levels.

At a minimum, it would cost owners open after midnight $540 a night.

Elected officials said all the extra safety upgrades it put in place last year cost it about $10,000 at night.

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