What time is last call at South Beach nightspots? What to know about changes in the law
If you’re out on the town in South Beach, your bar-hopping into the wee hours may soon have a stricter limit.
The last-call time, when the booze stops flowing, will depend on the location and the size of an establishment.
Here’s what to know:
What time is last call?
Entertainment District: Bars on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue from 5th to 16th streets are generally allowed to sell alcohol until 5 a.m.
South of Fifth Street: A change in Miami beach law, and upheld by courts so far, will stop liquor sales at 2 a.m. for bars that have a capacity of 100 or more people. The date the change takes effect is now mid-April, after spring break. Bars with capacity of less than 100 can still serve alcohol until 5 a.m.
READ MORE: Party on: Judge gives nightclub 30-day reprieve on Miami Beach’s 2 a.m. last call
Do bars have to close at last call?
Operating hours: South of Fifth bars that will soon have to dial back selling alcohol at 2 a.m. do not have to close at that time, but the booze has to stop flowing by then.
How many bars will affected by the 2 a.m. booze ban?
Facing change: Nine establishments with 100-plus capacity hold 5 a.m. liquor licenses in the South of Fifth Street area.
Biggest name: Story — opened a decade ago by Miami entrepreneur Dave Grutman as sister venue to Fontainebleau Hotel nightclub LIV — has fought the change and says it will appeal in court.
How many bars can continue selling liquor until 5 a.m.?
Smaller venues: Three establishments that have 5 a.m. liquor licenses in the South of Fifth area hold fewer than 100 people and can continue with the later last call. They are Ted’s Hideaway, the ScapeGoat and Sorbillo.
Why are the hours changing?
Residential neighborhood: The ordinance applies only to South of Fifth, where residents in high-end condos have objected to Story, a large nightclub in their neighborhood.
Story’s story: The club’s location at 136 Collins Ave. has served as a club for about 30 years, previously as Amnesia and Opium.
Background:
▪ Miami Beach has attempted to dial back last call from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. across the Ocean Drive entertainment district, but courts have blocked the efforts.
▪ The South of Fifth change by the city has been upheld in Miami-Dade court, but clubs were given a 30-day reprieve until mid-April.
