Companies in Miami Seashore and South Seashore are protesting alcohol gross sales withdrawals

Rolling back the last drink call to 2 a.m. is the talk of the town in Miami Beach. This November, residents of the city will once again have their say on whether the city should withdraw its last call for alcohol from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.

In 2017, a majority of voters voted against a similar proposal.

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Opponents of the referendum organized a rally in front of Miami Beach City Hall on October 13th. Dozens of people working in the hotel industry came out, many wearing white T-shirts that said “No” to the 2am ban.

David Wallack, owner of Mango’s Tropical Cafe on Ocean Drive, used a megaphone to express his opposition to the election issue.

Proponents of the referendum say the withdrawal would reduce crime. He suggested that the way to reduce crime would depend on more police officers.

“The most important thing that we as a company have been calling for for over 10 years is to have more police work on site,” said Wallack.

Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber says the ban will have no impact on business in the South Beach entertainment district.

“Frankly, the idea that these stores can’t survive if they’re not open all night is ridiculous,” Gelber told NBC 6.

Yellow and advocates of the 2 a.m. rollback suggest that if the bars close earlier, crime will decrease and the streets of Miami Beach will become safer.

However, protesters said city commissioners supporting this referendum want these stores to close in order to attract potential buyers for future condominiums.

Alex Ruiz, owner of Salsa Mia, says that even if there is a referendum, people will find a way to party and drink. He referred to the spring break earlier in the year when visitors celebrated on the streets.

“The people who are directly affected are the hardworking people,” said Ruiz. “Yes, the owners are no doubt directly affected, but you are talking about the people who have just come out of a really tough year of the pandemic.”

Veronica Zaragovia from WLRN contributed to this report.