Bradenton may seek to regulate post-midnight alcohol sales
An increase in violent and criminal activity after midnight in Bradenton has led the police to propose changes to the law regarding alcohol sales. Under the new proposal, Bradenton businesses would need to apply for an “after-midnight permit” to sell alcohol past 12 a.m.
Although Florida state law prohibits alcohol sales between midnight and 7 a.m., municipalities can enact ordinances to allow sales during these hours. Bradenton currently permits alcohol sales from midnight to 2:30 a.m. for licensed establishments.
The proposed ordinance, to be presented at the July 24 Bradenton City Council meeting, cites a rise in violent and criminal activity, as well as public safety and crowd control issues, as reasons for the change.
Bradenton Police Department spokesperson Meredyth Censullo highlighted that incidents have particularly increased around Old Main Street, with police responding to intoxicated individuals refusing to leave establishments and fights outside popular bars.
“Our goal is to ensure residents and visitors feel safe and comfortable while enjoying a night out,” Censullo said.
To maintain alcohol sales and consumption from midnight to 2:30 a.m., establishments would need to obtain an after-midnight permit. The application process would require details such as the owner's name, occupancy, a responsible person's name, type of liquor license, and an application fee, which the City Council would determine.
Establishments granted after-midnight permits would display mandatory window decals with their hours of operation, occupancy, and permit expiration.
Under the proposed ordinance, after-midnight permit holders would have to keep a customer count after 10 p.m. and provide this information to police upon request.
Depending on factors such as occupancy, liquor license type, and the establishment's history of violent incidents, the police chief may require state-licensed security personnel on site for businesses applying for an after-midnight permit. Additionally, a weapons detection system and ID scanners might be mandated for establishments with a history of underage drinking violations.
The permit could be suspended if the establishment is the site of a homicide or knowingly allows violations related to weapons, sexual battery, or controlled and dangerous substances. Multiple incidents of assault, disorderly conduct, battery, noise violations, gambling, weapons violations, or controlled substances within three months could also result in a 30-day suspension. Three suspensions within 12 months would lead to permit revocation.
Officials have determined that "additional parameters are required to preserve public safety and better balance city-wide resources while allowing alcohol sales between midnight and 2:30 a.m.," according to the proposed ordinance.
Entities selling alcohol for off-premises consumption, civic auditoriums, and sports arenas would be exempt from obtaining after-midnight permits.
The police department's proposal will have its first reading at the July 24 Bradenton City Council meeting. If approved, it will proceed to a second reading and public hearing on August 14.