Bradenton officials pass after-midnight alcohol sales ordinance

With a heightened sense of urgency, the city of Bradenton is moving forward with an ordinance regulating alcohol sales at bars after midnight. Between now and mid-October, bar owners must apply for a permit if they want to serve alcohol between 12 a.m. and 2:30 a.m.

Councilmembers passed the legislation Aug. 14 — despite the fact that many bar owners still need to be informed they will be required to have an after-midnight permit and in spite of council members disagreeing with a closing time. At a future meeting, the Bradenton City Council plans to change closing time from 2:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.