PHOTO VIA ANTHEM FACEBOOK PAGE
As reported by our friends at Orlando Weekly, the City of Orlando has issued a 30-day suspension of after-midnight alcohol sales at Anthem Orlando (Website), the downtown LGBTQ+ nightclub. The suspension took effect April 17, following an Alcoholic Beverage hearing at City Hall, and according to city records, it stems from repeated non-compliance with the venue’s alcohol sales permit, including failures around ID verification, weapons screening, and hours of service.
Under the terms of the suspension, Anthem must stop alcohol sales at midnight. Guests then have 30 minutes to finish their drinks and another 30 minutes to clear the premises. The venue itself remains open with adjusted hours.
Anthem owner Mike Vacirca has disputed the city’s account, placing the blame on a third-party security vendor that he says failed to follow proper procedures. He says the vendor was immediately terminated and replaced, and that the venue submitted more than 200 pages of documentation outlining its compliance efforts. A revised mitigation plan is being prepared, with Vacirca saying the venue is seeking clearer feedback from the city before resubmitting.
Anthem is also working with the city’s business development office and has requested direct engagement with the Orlando Police Department in hopes of shortening the suspension period. They’ve got a full weekend of programming lined up, though, so be sure to stop by.
Read Orlando Weekly‘s full report HERE.
