Bradenton officials pass after-midnight alcohol sales ordinance

**Key Point:** Bradenton bar owners must now obtain a permit to sell alcohol after midnight, following the passage of a new ordinance by the City Council.

**Core Issue:** Police have been struggling to manage large, unruly crowds outside bars in the early morning hours, according to Police Chief Melanie Bevan.

**Next Steps:** Bar owners have until mid-October to apply for the required after-midnight permit.

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Bradenton is taking significant steps to regulate late-night alcohol sales with the passage of a new ordinance. Bar owners who wish to serve alcohol between midnight and 2:30 a.m. must secure a permit before mid-October. The City Council approved this ordinance on August 14, despite ongoing debates about the appropriate closing time and concerns about informing all affected business owners.

The urgency behind this move stems from a series of dangerous incidents involving large crowds outside bars, which have overwhelmed the Bradenton Police Department. Police Chief Melanie Bevan emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that officers were often "outgunned" and "outnumbered," leading to potentially catastrophic situations. A notable incident occurred on May 12, where the entire police department had to respond to a massive crowd, leaving no officers available for other calls.

Mayor Gene Brown highlighted the necessity of the ordinance as a step toward enhancing public safety, while City Councilwoman Jayne Kocher stressed the immediate need for action, backed by police footage showing chaotic scenes outside bars. The council plans to revisit the closing time in a future meeting, possibly moving it from 2:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Bar owners expressed mixed feelings during a public hearing on the ordinance. While they supported the goal of maintaining a safe downtown area, they raised concerns about the lack of involvement in drafting the legislation and the potential impact on their businesses. James Miller, owner of Cork’s Cigar Bar, advocated for collaboration with the city, while Joseph Bennett, who owns several local bars, worried that the ordinance was being rushed without fully considering the costs to business owners.

Despite these concerns, the ordinance was modeled after a similar one in Orlando, requiring permits for after-midnight alcohol sales. Bradenton officials plan to meet with bar owners individually to ensure compliance and provide education on the new requirements. The permit application process will include details such as the owner’s name, business occupancy, and liquor license type. Approved bars will receive window decals displaying key information like hours of operation and permit expiration.

Certain establishments, such as those selling alcohol for off-premises consumption, civic auditoriums, and sports arenas, are exempt from the permit requirement. However, bars with after-midnight permits will need to keep a customer count after 10 p.m. and may be subject to additional security measures, including state-licensed security personnel and identification scanners, depending on their history of violent incidents or underage drinking.

The ordinance includes strict penalties for violations, with the possibility of permit suspensions for serious incidents such as homicides or repeated offenses involving assault, disorderly conduct, or weapons violations. Businesses could face a 30-day suspension for multiple offenses within a three-month period, with three suspensions in a year leading to a permit revocation.

Chief Bevan emphasized the city’s intention to work collaboratively with bar owners, allowing them to operate profitably while reducing the burden on law enforcement. The ordinance represents a critical effort to balance business interests with the need for public safety in Bradenton’s late-night scene.