He didn't have to wait long for a dramatic new plan on how to fix it. Today, Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine announced a proposal to essentially roll back closing time on Ocean Drive from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. His plan, which is up for discussion Wednesday, would end liquor sales at 2 a.m. along the iconic South Beach strip.
Levine says that "everything from prostitution and drug
"Let's not allow this incredible street, which symbolized the rebirth and renaissance of our city, to now signify decay and decline," Levine writes in an email about the proposal.
But while Novick praised the proposal as "a monumental step in the right direction," other business owners in the area are indignant about the possible implications. David Wallack, owner of Mango's Tropical Cafe, says Ocean Drive bars are being unfairly targeted for contributing to the problem, which he says is a failure of proper policing.
"Within our businesses is not the problem. The problem is out on the street, and that's the job of the police department," he says.
Wallack says his customers aren't the criminals causing the problem, which, he says, "None of us [bar owners] are happy about."
He adds, "It's totally separate. If you come to Ocean Drive and look at the businesses, it's not a carnival; it's wonderful, running nightclubs of people sitting and having a wonderful time and people earning a living there."
If an ordinance passes cutting back hours in which he can sell alcohol, Wallack also says, "Hundreds upon hundreds of people would be losing their jobs."
Novick, though, says the late-night drinking rules are part of the problem on the iconic stretch.
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The proposed ordinance wouldn't affect completely enclosed hotel bars, according to the commission's agenda. Levine is asking for feedback from residents ahead of Wednesday's meeting, which begin at 8:30 a.m. at Miami Beach City Hall.