Proposed ordinance #2015-58 would establish a temporary moratorium on the opening of any new "afterhours nightclubs" in the City of Orlando, and also on the relocation or expansion of any existing afterhours nightclub.

The ordinance provides a definition of a "nightclub" and also for "afterhours nightclub." An afterhours nightclub is any nightclub open for business at any time between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Existing City ordinances prohibit any establishment from conducting business after 2:00 a.m. if the establishment serves alcoholic beverages - so afterhours nightclubs may not serve alcoholic beverages.

The proposed moratorium would last through October 31, 2016, unless terminated earlier by ordinance of the Orlando City Council.

The proposed ordinance also provides for a City of Orlando Nightclubs Task Force. The Task Force will be comprised of City of Orlando staff. The primary purpose of the Task Force is to recommend findings of fact to the Mayor regarding nightclubs (including afterhours nightclubs), how nightclubs may or may not exacerbate the existing public health, safety, and welfare challenges presented by the nighttime entertainment economy, especially in Downtown Orlando, but also throughout the City of Orlando, and the manner by which existing state and City laws already regulate the nighttime entertainment economy.