To the Orlando City Council and Our Fellow Orlandoans,

Having lived in Orlando for 20 years and with plans to open Anthem, a new LGBTQ+ venue downtown, this fight is personal. Orlando is not just a city; it's my home, and Anthem is more than just a business. It represents a significant investment in a safe, inclusive space for our community: a place where LGBTQ+ residents and visitors can gather, feel accepted, and enjoy their nightlife. The recent proposal by the Orlando City Council to force our vibrant downtown bars and nightlife venues to close at midnight is not just a threat; it's an attack on the heart and soul of our city, its economy, and its culture.   

Our Downtown: An Economic Engine and Cultural Beacon at Risk

Downtown Orlando's nightlife is an economic powerhouse, injecting an estimated $480 million into our local economy annually and supporting nearly 6,000 jobs. This isn't just about bars; it's about the livelihoods of thousands of our neighbors and the $2 billion in ongoing investments aimed at making our downtown a "City for Everyone". Tourism, the lifeblood of Orlando, thrives on this vibrancy, drawing millions who seek more than just theme parks—they seek the energetic, welcoming atmosphere our nightlife provides. To cripple this with midnight closures is to dim the lights on Orlando's appeal and jeopardize its economic future.   

Responsible Businesses Are Doing Their Part, But Are Being Crushed

Let's be clear: downtown businesses are NOT the problem. We are deeply committed to safety and are already going to extraordinary lengths—and expense—to ensure it. Our venues are equipped with ID scanners to keep out underage individuals, surveillance cameras, and metal detectors. We actively participate in safety programs like S.A.F.E. and meet regularly with law enforcement.    

But this commitment comes at a staggering, and frankly, unsustainable cost. The City's After-Midnight Alcohol Sales Permit, costing $250 annually per venue, is just the tip of the iceberg. Many businesses are mandated to hire off-duty police officers at a reported rate of $90 per hour, an expense that can run a single multi-venue owner $200,000 a year. One owner reported spending over $300,000 on compliance in just two years. These permit fees and officer costs mean businesses are already contributing around $1.6 million towards the city's $6 million downtown policing bill. We are being asked to shoulder an enormous financial burden for public safety, and now, instead of support, we face a proposal that would drive us out of business entirely.   

Misplacing the Blame: Crime Happens on the Streets, Not in Our Venues

The narrative that our businesses are the source of downtown's safety issues is dangerously misleading. The truth is, many of the problems—fights, disturbances, and crime—are happening on the streets, outside of our controlled environments. We manage what happens within our walls, but we cannot police public thoroughfares. That is the city's responsibility. 

Furthermore, issues sometimes stem from individuals who shouldn't even be in the downtown entertainment district late at night, such as underage individuals. While this is a concern that needs addressing through targeted enforcement and community strategies, it is not a justification to punish every business that is diligently checking IDs and maintaining order. Closing our doors early won't solve the problem of underage individuals on the streets; it will only harm those of us following the rules.  

Midnight Closures: A "Solution" That Will Make Orlando Less Safe and Poorer

Forcing businesses to close at midnight is a knee-jerk reaction that will backfire spectacularly. It won't stop people from wanting to socialize; it will simply push them into unregulated, unmonitored, and far more dangerous environments like house parties or street gatherings. This doesn't solve safety issues; it scatters them, making policing harder and our community less safe. Other cities that have tried similar measures continue to struggle with violence.   

The economic fallout will be devastating. Businesses will shutter, thousands will lose their jobs, property values will plummet, and our downtown will become a ghost town. Is this the vibrant, welcoming Orlando we want to present to the world?   

We Need Real Partnership, Not Punishment!

We, the business owners of downtown Orlando, want a safe downtown, just like the city does. We are ready and willing to work collaboratively on real solutions: targeted community policing in known hotspots, improved late-night public transportation, enhanced surveillance, and continued partnership on best safety practices. A majority of City Commissioners have already expressed doubts about these closures. We implore all members of the City Council, including Mayor Dyer, to listen to these voices of reason and to us, your partners in this community.   

Our Call to Action: Stand With Us!

This is an urgent plea to the Orlando City Council: REJECT the midnight closure proposal. Recognize the devastating impact it will have and choose collaboration over condemnation.

To our fellow Orlandoans, our employees, our patrons, and everyone who loves our city's vibrant spirit: Your voice is crucial.

1. SIGN THIS PETITION to show your opposition to these disastrous midnight closures.
   
   
2. SHARE IT WIDELY with your friends, family, and social networks.
   
   
3. CONTACT MAYOR DYER AND YOUR CITY COMMISSIONER. Tell them you support local businesses and want real, collaborative solutions for downtown safety.

Let's work together to ensure downtown Orlando remains a place where safety and vibrancy go hand in hand, a place that thrives well past midnight, and a place that truly is a "City for Everyone."

Protect our jobs. Protect our culture. Protect our downtown. Protect Orlando's entertainment and arts!