MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) – South Beach businesses remained closed for the second night in a row after city leaders rejected requests from business owners for a curfew.
The ruling came as police were seen in full force along Ocean Drive during what is considered the second busy weekend of spring break.
Visitors who spoke to 7News said they were unhappy with the late-night curfew.
“I don’t like the curfew,” the woman said.
Another woman said: “It's disgusting.”
But the police don't intervene. Those who violate the order will be fined or detained.
An emergency hearing was held Saturday afternoon after three South Beach nightclubs asked for the curfew to be lifted. The clubs that filed the injunction were Exchange South Beach, Mint Lounge and M2.
But Miami-Dade Circuit Judge David Miller ruled for a curfew stand.
Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak and Commissioner Alex Fernandez spoke to 7 News outside the courtroom.
“This weekend has historically been the most dangerous weekend of the year for us,” Hudak said.
“You can't put a price on an innocent life,” Fernandez said.
This decision was not what local business owners wanted to hear. Over the past week, several of them told 7News they have lost significant amounts of revenue.
M2 operator Michael Witt said the numbers were staggering.
“Well, the loss of income can cost you up to $500,000,” he said.
Lamain Zago, owner of Mint Lounge, said he has no problem with the new measures that have been implemented so far.
“It went well. There was no chaos, no shootings, nothing. So why the curfew?” he said. “I was representing the staff. Weekends off are important to them. The worst part is that I also agree with the city and we worked together. Even though it only hurts us. , what can they do for us?”
Mr. Witt and Mr. Zago are not alone in their concerns.
“We've lost a lot of business and can't pay our bills,” said Sultan Restaurant owner Dogan Tepesik.
The popular Mango's Tropical Cafe on Ocean Drive also closed for the weekend.
“Thirty percent of businesses are successful right away,” says owner David Wallach.
But nightclub owners said closing their doors is a good thing.
“If there's a huge crowd, we can't protect our staff or our customers. It's just too dangerous,” he said.
Click here for more information on Miami Beach's spring break safety measures, including the curfew.
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