Spring break celebrations in Miami might end a bit earlier this year.
On Tuesday, a Miami Beach judge approved an ordinance to limit alcohol service to the hours of 8 a.m.—2 a.m. in select parts of the South of Fifth neighborhood, according to a March 15 article by the BBC. The popular spring break destination previously had a 5 a.m. last call for nightclubs, bars, and other establishments.
The change stems from community complaints about noise and violence from raucous parties in late-night and early-morning hours. Miami Beach declared a state of emergency during spring break two years in a row due to related violence. Last year, the city implemented a mandatory midnight curfew, per NPR.
Amnesia International, the owner of Miami’s Story nightclub, argued that the move unfairly disrupted its business operations. The company applied for a temporary injunction to pause the city ordinance, which was denied on March 13.
City mayor Dan Gelber posted photos of the city ordinance document along with a brief statement on Twitter.
“This is a residential neighborhood that should not have to endure 24-hour nightclubs,” he writes in the post. “Hopefully we can begin enforcement very soon.”
This morning, Circuit Judge Reemberto Diaz validated the City’s ordinance rolling back liquor sales South of Fifth to 2:00am. This is a residential neighborhood that should not have to endure 24-hour nightclubs. Hopefully we can begin enforcement very soon. pic.twitter.com/IlHzS3830j
— Dan Gelber (@MayorDanGelber) March 14, 2023
The ordinance only applies to nightclubs, entertainment venues, and bars with more than a 100-person occupancy limit. Restaurants and small bars will still be permitted to sell alcohol until 5 a.m.
It appears that Miami Beach’s notorious all-night parties will soon be cut short.
