Fort Lauderdale city officials are considering an earlier closing time for bars in the downtown entertainment district, and some business owners say the change could hurt their revenue badly.
Under the proposal, bars along Himmarshee Street would close at 2 a.m. on weekdays instead of 3 a.m., and at 3 a.m. on weekends instead of 4 a.m.
Ian Lowe, owner of Original Fat Cats Bar, said late-night customers, including hospital workers, night-shift employees and hospitality staff, make up a large share of his business. He estimated that losing the final hour could cut his weekly revenue by 40 to 50 percent. He said his bar is one of the few on the street open seven days a week until 4 a.m.
Mayor Dean Trantalis defended the plan. He said the area has drawn a volatile crowd for too long and needs a change in culture, pointing to people passed out on sidewalks. The proposal is part of a wider effort to upgrade the district with parklets and better landscaping, aimed at families and visitors from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Lowe asked the city for a special permit that would let established businesses keep 3 a.m. hours. Trantalis said he does not believe the commission currently supports permits or exceptions.
The commission is expected to hold a final vote on the closing time changes at its Nov. 17 meeting.
