Bradenton police seek to regulate post-midnight alcohol sales

An “increase in violent and criminal activity” after midnight in Bradenton is prompting police to propose a change in the law around alcohol sales. Under the proposal, Bradenton businesses would need to file for an “after-midnight permit” to sell alcohol after 12 a.m.

Florida state law prohibits the sale of alcohol between midnight and 7 a.m.; however, municipal ordinances can allow for the sale of alcohol during those hours. Previously, the city of Bradenton enacted an ordinance permitting alcohol sales from midnight to 2:30 a.m. for licensed establishments.

In an ordinance that will be proposed at the July 24 meeting of the Bradenton City Council, police say the uptick in violent and criminal activity as well as “an increase in other issues related to public safety and crowd control” led authorities to pursue a change in the law.