Orlando Business Owners Urge End to Alcohol Fee

Downtown venues say the After Midnight Alcohol Sales program has cost them heavily and pushed some businesses to close.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Empty downtown street corner at night with a shuttered brick building, dark storefront glass, and wet pavement reflecting faint light. — Downtown Orlando venues say the city's After Midnight Alcohol Sales fee program has cost them heavily, with ten businesses closing since it began. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should businesses that serve alcohol after midnight pay for downtown police costs?

Downtown Orlando business owners are asking the city to suspend the After Midnight Alcohol Sales fee program. The National Independent Venue Association has sent a letter urging officials to suspend the fees and study the program.

Why it matters

Businesses that serve alcohol between midnight and 2 a.m. in the Downtown Entertainment District must hold a permit and make annual payments tied to public safety costs. Owners say the charges are burdensome, and the venue association reports that 10 businesses have closed since the program began.

Celine owner Eric Fuller says his business has paid nearly $500,000 through the program since 2023, or just under $10,000 a month. Fuller estimates 23 of roughly 60 downtown businesses are paying for the police presence, while the city has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The players

National Independent Venue Association

A trade group representing independent live music venues that sent a letter asking Orlando officials to suspend the fees and study the program.

Eric Fuller

Owner of the downtown Orlando venue Celine, who says his business has paid nearly $500,000 through the program since 2023.

The details

Under the program, each business's annual payment is calculated from violent crime density, the number and occupancy of permitted establishments, and the average number of officers needed nightly in the Downtown Density Zone. If a payment is not made by the first of each month, the city will suspend the business's license.

2023: The After Midnight Alcohol Sales program began.
November 9, 2026: Business owners called for suspension of the program fees.

Market Landscape

The After Midnight Alcohol Sales program places per-business charges on downtown Orlando nightlife venues that serve alcohol after midnight. The dispute centers on whether those charges are sustainable for the venues that remain open in the Downtown Entertainment District.

Venues that serve alcohol after midnight downtown must keep up monthly payments or risk losing their license. Patrons may see changes in late-night availability if more businesses close.