FL: Kissimmee leaders to discuss changes to alcohol sale times Tuesday
WESH News 2
February 4, 2025
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The City of Kissimmee is set to discuss possible changes relating to the time alcohol sales can be conducted.
Commissioners will meet Tuesday for a workshop to discuss the idea with several business owners and residents after the city said it has received several complaints regarding past security nightlife incidents.
“We’re just trying to do the right thing for the greater good of the people,” Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa told WESH 2 on Monday. “We’re trying to be more proactive than reactive and being proactive is when you’re trying to avoid things much before things happen.”
The current city ordinance permits alcohol sales to up until 2 a.m. on all days.
Espinosa told WESH 2 there is no exact time that’s been proposed but the purpose of Tuesday’s meeting is to field suggestions from the community.
“This has been much a community task,” said Espinosa. “What I’m asking people is let’s not panic, let’s not put the cart before the horse, let’s all meet. There is no reason to politicize this… I didn’t run on the campaign on shutting businesses down, this is something the community has brought to our attention, we’re getting to work and do what’s right for the people.”
Espinosa said the ultimate goal is to attract businesses that want to come and invest in Kissimmee.
Former Kissimmee mayoral candidate Olga Cario, who owns and operates Cario Cafe says any changes to the city’s alcohol sale ordinance would be detrimental to the city’s economy.
Cario’s Cafe is a coffee shop located in the heart of the historic downtown but switches to a nightclub on weekends.
“This is something that is going to kill Kissimmee’s downtown economy, it’s a big concern for all the business owners.
Chef Curtis Edgar of 3 Sisters Speakeasy also expressed concern about the alcohol sale ordinance changes.
“It’s going to lower our costs and sales here,” said Edgar. “The business will drop, not just for 3 Sisters Speakeasy but for the whole community.”
Tuesday’s workshop will begin at 3 p.m. No votes or decision will be made during this meeting, but instead, it will just be a discussion.