Doral Mayor Christi Fraga is expected to propose changing laws related to when the city's nightclubs and bars can sell alcohol following a deadly shooting at a bar, Axios reported on Wednesday.
Fraga described the current laws as "very ambiguous" and said she hopes the new rules will ensure the safety and security of the community. Concretely, the law would have establishment set their last call at 1:30 am and close a half hour later. Nightclubs with permits will be allowed to stay open until 4 am.
They would also have to develop safety and security plans and share them with police departments, as well as use portable metal detectors and hire one security guard per 150 people. They would also be required to install security cameras at all entry and exit points.
El Nuevo Herald detailed all the measures, which also include securing the premises to prevent people from entering without authorization. All of those who do will need to show identification. Bowling and pool places will be included in the establishments reached by the measure.
The request comes about a month after two people were killed and seven injured in a fight at Martini Bar, located in CityPlace Doral at about 3:30 am.
Fraga told the outlet that authorities are investigating whether the bar complied with current regulations when the shooting happened. She added that, however, they are "very ambiguous" as they "eliminated operational hours and only set times for selling and consuming" alcohol.
"Basically, one can buy a bottle at 2 am, which is the last time allowed, and stay until 5 or 6am drinking," she said. "They left us with this problem, which makes it very hard for the city to enforce the laws and ensure establishments close," she added.
"If someone wants to party until 4 or 6am, there are many places in Miami-Dade where that can be done. I don't think Doral is the right place for that. Residents requested these changes."
Martini Bar has received lawsuits by two of the people injured in the shooting, who accused the place of negligence.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.