Miami Beach officials institute curfew, but some push back against the action

Spring Break is upon us and travelers are looking for the best destinations to hit with friends, lovers, and the like. Miami Beach is typically one of the top spots but the city has continued to increase its efforts to keep partygoers away. That includes instituting a curfew that limits who is allowed to be out in the streets, but some establishments are pushing back against the ordinance. 

Miami Beach has long remained synonymous with Spring Break for generations. However, the city wants to change that narrative and has continued to make it clear that those that are coming into the city to cause problems are not welcome. The city has enacted a curfew for the third year in the row, sparking some outrage and ignoring of the new rules. 

The weekend curfew begins on Friday at midnight and runs through 6 a.m. on Monday. These changes also impact the sale of alcohol, as “off premises consumption,” the act of drinking on the street, is barred after 6 p.m. each day that the curfew is put into place. 

These regulations were put into place to deter issues with violence and crime that kept occuring during this popular travel time each year. According to the Miami Herald, as of March 18, 265 arrests had been made, but overall the crowds have “thinned out” in what is typically a packed time of the year. 

Some businesses are pointing toward the decreases in activity as hurting their bottom line. 

“What goes on for Spring Break is a street party,” said David Wallack, owner of Mango’s Tropical Cafe. “They’re not really customers per se, of our businesses and that’s what makes it so difficult.” But when talking about the removal of outside seating he would also say, “There goes 30%, 35% of our business right there.” 

There’s also criticism that the regulations are steeped in racism and over policing. 

“The measures taken this year [2022] by Miami Beach and its officials wasn’t a very hospitable approach,” said Daniella Pierre in a piece by Francisco Alvarado in The Guardian. “It was not welcoming and we didn’t appreciate it at all, especially when you have other events and you don’t use that tone. We don’t condone violence or lawlessness, but everyone has a right to be treated fairly and maintain their right to be on Miami Beach.” 

Miami Beach will remain a popular destination for those looking to have fun during their Spring Break vacation. But it’s important to recognize the changes that are being placed on the city and make the sound decision if that is the best place to celebrate and spend your money.