Miami Beach Bans Alcohol Sales After 6 P.M. to Curb Spring Break Violence

To combat the rowdy spring break wave of visitors, Miami Beach has implemented a ban on alcohol sales after 6 p.m.

The city leaders announced the new rule on Wednesday, which goes into effect on Thursday and runs through Saturday. The alcohol restrictions arrived after Miami Beach implemented a curfew in several areas from midnight to 6 a.m. from Thursday until Monday. The curfew zone is from the area of 23rd Street and Dade Boulevard to the north to Government Cut to the south.

From Thursday to Sunday at 11 p.m., city garages will be closed. Drivers will not be allowed to access garages after 11:00 p.m., but they will be allowed to leave. Hotels are also under strict order to only service hotel guests after 11 p.m. Hotel guests arriving after the curfew has been imposed may be asked to produce evidence of their reservation.

Many businesses are concerned with the restrictions’ financial impact but say they understand the need for increased safety measures.

“I agree that we need safety also, but if it is continuous, it will be super, super, hard for us, but if it’s two, three days, I think it’s OK,” explained Mini Mart owner Monjurul Alam.

Chaos has erupted this spring break period, with several shootings and violent crowds that have overwhelmed law enforcement, resulting in the state of emergency being declared. Since the beginning of spring break, at least five people have been shot on Ocean Drive, and over 100 guns have been confiscated.