Miami Beach commissioners are considering a proposal by Mayor Philip Levine to ban outdoor liquor sales after 2 a.m.
The proposal is meant to curb intoxication on Ocean Drive where last call at its sidewalk bars and restaurants can be as late as 5 a.m.
Levine says he’s spoken with law enforcement about how to bring back a more family-friendly environment to the strip.
“I asked the police department, ‘How would you change Ocean Drive? We all know we have a problem there. We all know there’s a cancer there,'" said Levine. "The police department said ‘We would restrict liquor sales until 2 a.m. outside.’ And I think that’s not very unreasonable. I think that’s something we should’ve been doing 10 years ago.”
Levine says late alcohol sales increase bad behavior in South Beach.
But skeptical business owners and commissioners say the measure is too broad and that the neighborhood needs more policing in general.
Commissioners will look at a draft of the proposal in May.