SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Amend Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 6.29, Alcoholic Beverages - Closing Hours, prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages by alcoholic beverage establishments between the hours of 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. in Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, and Island Estates and pass Ordinance 9435-21 on first reading.
Body
SUMMARY:
Clearwater Police District I encompass Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, and Island Estates. This area is predominantly a tourism district that includes residential property, and unique circumstances exist that require special considerations to avoid breeches of the peace.
An analysis of police calls for service revealed the calls for service in Police District I maintain a consistent level from 11 p.m. until 4 a.m., while calls for service in Police District II and Police District III begin to sharply decline at 12 a.m. through 4 a.m. A further analysis of the calls in District I revealed many of the calls were disturbances and calls for service where alcohol is a factor.
Pinellas County Code 6-29 prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages between the hours of 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. It is allowable for the City of Clearwater to establish closing hours that are more restrictive than Pinellas County Code.
Amending 6.29 to reflect a prohibition of the sale of alcoholic beverages by alcoholic beverage establishments between the hours of 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. in Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, and Island Estates is recommended to balance the interests of all parties in this geographic area with unique needs and challenges.