National Venue Group Calls on Orlando to Halt Downtown Nightlife Police Fees

Downtown Orlando has big plans for its future, but some of the independent bars and music venues that helped make it a destination are struggling to afford the present. The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is calling on the City of Orlando to suspend its after-midnight police protection fees, arguing that the program is putting an unfair financial burden on the small businesses that give downtown much of its character. In a letter to Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Council, NIVA reports that 39 downtown establishments were billed more than $4.3 million between June 2023 and August 2025 for off-duty Orlando police officers patrolling the downtown district. The Beacham was billed more than $330,000, while Celine was billed nearly $329,000. Those totals don t include charges since August 2025. NIVA says 10 of the 39 establishments have since closed, including Ember, 1UP Orlando, HighT, Cocktails Screams, and The Attic. While the fees can t be blamed for every closure,