BRADENTON — On Wednesday, the Bradenton City Council held a first reading that would amend a city ordinance to limit the sale of alcohol past midnight.
The city says the proposed policy is in response to an increase in criminal activity and violence occurring after midnight. The ordinance would prohibit the selling and serving of alcohol between midnight and closing (2:30 a.m.).
Establishments would be able to remain open past midnight if they purchase and are granted After Midnight Permits from the city. The second reading, along with the public hearing, is planned for the Aug. 14 city council meeting at Bradenton City Hall.
ORDINANCE 4047 - FIRST READING
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BRADENTON, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6, RELATED TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; AMENDING SECTION 6-1 TO ADD DEFINITIONS; AMENDING SECTION 6-2 TO PROHIBIT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FROM BEING SOLD, CONSUMED, OR SERVED, OR PERMITTED TO BE SERVED OR CONSUMED IN ANY ESTABLISHMENT BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 12:00 A.M. AND 7:30 A.M.; PROVIDING FOR EXEMPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR ANY ESTABLISHMENT LICENSED UNDER THE STATE BEVERAGE LAWS THAT DESIRES TO REMAIN OPEN FOR THE PURPOSE OF SALE, SERVICE, OR CONSUMPTION BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 12:00 A.M. AND 2:30 A.M. TO APPLY FOR AN AFTER MIDNIGHT PERMIT; ADDING PROVISIONS FOR THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND FEE; PROVIDING FOR REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE AFTER MIDNIGHT PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS TO BE IMPOSED ON THE AFTER MIDNIGHT PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF THE AFTER MIDNIGHT PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A HEARING OFFICER TO RULE ON SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF AFTER MIDNIGHT PERMITS; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT; AMENDING CHAPTER 6, TO ADD A NEW SECTION 6-7 ESTABLISHING EVIDENCE OF PROSECUTION OF VIOLATIONS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
