All You Need To Know About Orlando Alcoholic Beverage Law
Alcoholic beverage laws and regulations can be a complex challenge for any business or restaurant owner. With a network of rules that must be navigated at federal, state, and local levels, it is difficult to handle this problem alone. However, with the help of an experienced alcoholic beverage law attorney, you can find a solution to your situation.
Attorney Samuel Rubert works with Orlando businesses at any point in the lifespan of their business. Whether you are starting up a business, decades into owning your establishment, or looking to sell your business or liquor license, Rubert Law can help you find success.
The Basics Of Beverage Law
There are two major sources of rules for alcoholic beverages in Florida:
- The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DABT) in the state government; and:
- The United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
These two government agencies promulgate the laws and regulations that govern the sale and distribution of alcohol in Florida. However, local laws and policies also influence where and how business owners are able to establish and run their business. Orlando has its own set of regulations that owners of restaurants, bars, breweries, nightclubs, and more must abide by.
Navigating Orlando Alcoholic Beverage Rules And Regulations
City ordinances change frequently and can alter the way your business operates. Attorney Samuel Rubert has focused his skills in this area and has the knowledge of local rules that an Orlando business owner needs to know. He can advise you on the day-to-day workings of alcohol beverage laws and avoid running afoul of any Orlando ordinances.
Here are some answers to common questions specific to Orlando alcoholic beverage businesses.
What Are Orlando’s Hours Of Service?
Hours of service for alcohol sales and on-site consumption differ depending on the business. However, establishments generally may not sell or serve alcohol between midnight and 7:00 am Monday through Saturday. Sales on Sundays are generally prohibited between midnight and 9:00 am. Certain establishments may be able to sell alcohol after midnight depending on their permit.
Can Bars Sell Alcohol After Midnight?
A rule implemented in 2023 requires downtown Orlando bars to apply for an After-Midnight Alcohol Sales Permit if they wish to sell alcohol between the hours of midnight and 2 am. This concerns bars in the Downtown Entertainment Area. Permits are effective for a 12-month period and must be renewed on an annual basis.
Is My Business Eligible For A Special Food Service (SFS) License?
In 2021, the rules for businesses to be eligible for an SFS liquor license in parts of Orlando were reduced from the state’s baseline requirements. The Special Act provided that the business must:
- Be located on a select number of Orlando Main Street Districts;
- Have at least 1,800 square feet of space in the establishment (as opposed to 2,000 square fee required by Florida statutory law);
- Have at least 80 seats available for customers (as opposed to 120 seats required by Florida statutory law); and
- Derive at least 51% of food and beverage revenue from selling both food and non-alcoholic beverages.
The changes allowed for smaller restaurants to be able to sell beer, wine, and liquor as part of their food service operations without having to purchase a quota license for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Contact An Orlando Liquor License Attorney
If you need experienced legal counsel for your Orlando business’s liquor sales or you are interested in starting a new business that will serve alcohol, Rubert Law is here to help you. With offices in Weston and Miami, we also serve clients in Orlando, Tampa and throughout the state of Florida.
Call our Weston office at 954-546-7951 , or our Miami office at 305-809-7669 to schedule a consultation. You may also send us a message via our website with a short description of your needs and we will get back to you.