Could Doral bars shut down earlier in wake of mass shooting? City Council will discuss
Doral bars and nightclubs may soon see restrictions on how late they can stay open or sell alcohol in the wake of a mass shooting at a popular outdoor mall in Miami-Dade over the weekend that left two dead and six others injured.
The city council of Doral will hold a Wednesday workshop to evaluate and possibly change decade-old policies regarding alcohol sales, including the extended hours permits for several CityPlace Doral businesses. It’s unclear in what capacity the permits will be reviewed.
In a memo that Doral Mayor Christi Fraga drafted to the council: “It is imperative that we convene to thoroughly evaluate and potentially amend our current code and policies concerning times of operation related to alcohol sales, particularly in relation to nightclubs and entertainment venues.”
She went on to say that implementing “appropriate” hours of operation may enhance safety measures days after the deadly shooting at CityPlace.
“It is imperative that we convene to thoroughly evaluate and potentially amend our current code and policies...particularly in relation to nightclubs and entertainment venues,” Fraga told the Miami Herald.
In the wee hours Saturday morning, James Wayne Wood, 37, shot to death security guard George Alejandro Castellanos, 23, after he tried to intervene in an argument between Wood and another patron at Martini Bar. Two off-duty Doral officers raced over upon hearing gunshots and fired at Wood after a confrontation — killing him.
Six patrons were caught in the gunfire. At least one is in critical condition; others are stable. One of the officers who was struck in the upper thigh is expected to recover.
READ MORE: Who blasted the bullets that hit 6 bystanders in mass shooting at a trendy Doral bar?
Extended hour permits under microscope?
CityPlace is a trendy gathering spot for residents and visitors that opened in 2017. Though the premier shopping center closes at 9 p.m., Martini Bar is one of a few businesses that remain open until 2 a.m. or later.
In the council’s Wednesday workshop, four businesses with an extended hours permit were listed for review: Kings Bowl, Kuba Cabana, Sure Shot Hospitality, and Why I Am.
In a statement, the owners of Kuba Cabana restaurant told the Miami Herald they are prepared to adhere to any updated ordinances regarding the extended hours permit or otherwise.
“As a family-friendly restaurant with a dynamic entertainment atmosphere, centered around live bands and theater-style dancers, our focus remains on fostering a secure environment,” said David Garretson, CEO of UMG Hospitality, the company that owns Kuba Cabana.
The business continued to say it frequently uses off-duty police to increase security, and will continue to do so.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of George Castellanos in this difficult time,” Garretson said. “We remain dedicated to conducting our business with the utmost regard for everyone’s well-being when enjoying our offerings.”
The other three businesses could not be immediately reached for comment.
Miami Herald reporter Charles Rabin contributed to this report.
This story was originally published April 9, 2024 at 7:09 PM.
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