The Doral City Council has passed an ordinance that reduces operating hours and the sale of alcohol, while introducing new security measures for nightlife establishments. This decision follows the tragic shooting at CityPlace Doral in April, which resulted in the death of a Cuban-American security guard.
Two months after the incident that led to the death of 23-year-old George Alejandro Castellanos at Martini Bar, where he worked, Doral's political authorities decided to implement measures to enhance security in nightclubs and bars. These establishments will now close earlier.
The newly approved municipal regulation, which passed in a second reading on June 12 with a vote of four to one, mandates that venues with extended hours licenses must close by 3:30 a.m., and the last call for alcohol will be at 2:30 a.m. Previously, these businesses could stay open until 4:00 a.m. and serve alcohol until 3:50 a.m.
New Security Measures
This municipal regulation also includes security measures such as the mandatory installation of metal detection systems at the entrance of these establishments to prevent armed individuals from entering.
Additionally, business owners are required to hire an off-duty police officer starting at 11:00 p.m. and install internal security systems like surveillance cameras.
According to a statement from the Doral City Council, the purpose of this ordinance is to reduce the likelihood of incidents similar to the April 6 shooting at Martini Bar in CityPlace Doral. Castellanos was fatally shot by a man identified as Jamal Wood during a dispute among patrons over a chair. Two police officers intervened in the altercation and exchanged gunfire with the armed individual, who was eventually killed. Seven other people in the bar were injured.
The new municipal rule was originally proposed by Councilwoman Maureen Porras following the fatal incident. Porras emphasized the importance of implementing and enforcing local regulations, telling Telemundo51, "If we're going to create a code, we're going to enforce it and ensure that it is not only enforced but also effective."
The dissenting vote against the ordinance was cast by Mayor Christi Fraga, who had proposed an earlier closing time of 2:00 a.m. "I disagreed that the security measures were only mandatory for establishments with extended hours. In my proposal, I wanted to include all nightlife venues," the mayor told AmericaTeVé.
According to a report from this channel, legal representatives of Doral's nightlife venues had already expressed their disagreement with the measures outlined in the new ordinance.
If the ordinance is fully implemented, nightlife establishments that fail to comply could face fines or even closure. A meeting is scheduled for August to review the ordinance again, and some council members may request a review before it takes effect at the end of September, according to AmericaTeVé.
FAQs on Doral's New Bar and Nightclub Regulations
In light of the newly implemented regulations for bars and nightclubs in Doral, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand the changes.
What are the new closing times for bars and nightclubs in Doral?
Establishments with extended hours licenses must now close by 3:30 a.m., with the last call for alcohol at 2:30 a.m.
What security measures are required under the new ordinance?
The ordinance mandates the installation of metal detection systems at entrances, the hiring of off-duty police officers starting at 11:00 p.m., and the implementation of internal security systems such as surveillance cameras.
Why were these new regulations introduced?
The regulations were introduced to enhance the safety of patrons and prevent incidents like the April 6 shooting at Martini Bar, which resulted in the death of a security guard.
What penalties do establishments face for non-compliance?
Non-compliant establishments may face fines or even closure if they fail to adhere to the new regulations.