Miami city leaders to shut down liquor stores for spring break 2024 after fatal accidents

The City of Miami is considering a shutdown of liquor stores during spring break in 2024 to combat excessive partying and drinking after two tragic deaths occurred this year. The decision was made during a city meeting, where the Miami Mayor and city leaders proposed a plan to close liquor stores, create metal detectors, and issue tickets for big events.

Mayor Dan Gelber (D-FL) critiqued out-of-town party-goers and expressed his determination to alter the image of Miami as a desirable destination for spring break celebrations. “We are doing everything we can to tell the world we don’t want you here,” Gelber said. “This is not an all-inclusive resort where people can do what they want. We certainly aren’t Las Vegas or New Orleans.”

While the city council did vote in favor of closing liquor stores early next March, the proposed measure has yet to be officially approved as per reports from the Daily Mail.

Gelber’s comments follow the Miami Beach Police Department’s release of citywide statistics between February 27th to March 27th, which were taken during the peak of the spring break period. The report shows that 488 arrests were made during that time, mostly, for felony charges. More than 100 firearms were also seized, and impounded by the police.

“We don’t ask for spring break in our city. We don’t want spring break in our city,” Gelber said in a video statement. “It’s too rowdy, it’s too much disorder, and it’s too difficult to police.”

Miami has undergone tragedy, with two deadly shootings happening over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Despite efforts made by the city to keep party-goers occupied and a strong police presence, the attacks still occurred. As a result, Miami implemented a curfew from midnight to 6 a.m.

Neighboring areas such as Fort Lauderdale, Florida, did not experience similar incidences despite having significant crowds during spring break.