In an effort to curb violence following two fatal shootings during spring break in Miami, city officials voted against a curfew but imposed alcohol sale restrictions for the upcoming final weekend of partying.
The Miami Beach city commission gave a 6-1 vote in favor of giving the city manager emergency powers, but argued for the alcohol sales restrictions over the next weekend instead of an outright curfew, noting that a curfew would punish businesses.
The city’s amendment would impose a restriction on alcohol sales at local liquor stores starting at 6 p.m. over the final weekend of spring break.
The Ultra Music Festival, an electronic dance music event, brings thousands to the area and begins the last sets at 11 p.m. each night of the three-day event.
City Manager Alina Hudak told the commission it’s “heartbreaking” to once again recommend a curfew after months of planning to create programming for tourists, including concerts and athletic tournaments.
Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelbor had imposed a curfew on Sunday evening, following two fatal shootings on Ocean Drive that involved visitors.
Gelbor says the high volume of people has created a “peril that cannot go unchecked.”