Orlando nightlife businesses challenge city fees for late-night police services

Some downtown Orlando nightlife businesses are challenging a city program that requires certain venues to help pay for additional police services during late-night hours, arguing the fees place an unfair financial burden on independent businesses.The dispute is playing out in federal court, where several venue owners have challenged the constitutionality of the city’s After-Midnight Alcohol Sales permit program. The National Independent Venue Association is also urging Orlando officials to suspend the fees and work with business owners on an alternative approach.The program, established in May 2023, requires businesses in the Downtown Entertainment District that serve alcohol between midnight and 2 a.m. to obtain a permit and contribute toward additional public safety costs.Eric Fuller, an owner of Celine Orlando, says they are paying thousands of dollars a month for the fee. “We’re paying almost $10,000 a month for a service that’s provided to an entire district,” Fuller said.Fuller s