A decline in the number of downtown nightlife venues has Orlando attorney Mark NeJame concerned.
“I was baptized at St. James Catholic Church and went to elementary school there,” said the founder and senior partner for NeJame Law. “I owned nightclubs downtown. My office is downtown."
When NeJame was a 12-year-old paper boy, he made his first investment, buying a $40 share in Citizens National Bank building on Orange Avenue. "I've been downtown all my life."
It’s from this vantage point — as well as his exposure to Orlando’s leaders, executives and everyday people — that he’s offered himself as a kind of facilitator. In that role, NeJame proposes to bring together all the stakeholders whose resources and livelihoods are tied to the nighttime economy.
Meanwhile, Saturday, Feb. 8, marked the start of the city's new policy to keep downtown's streets open late at night, aiming to curb the party atmosphere that for years has seen crowds celebrating in the roadways. An email sent by Orlando's Downtown Development Board to business owners in the area said Orange Avenue, Central Boulevard and Pine Street would "no longer be closed to vehicular traffic on weekends moving forward with the exception of permitted special events that require road closures."
During an interview with Orlando Business Journal, NeJame proposed a plan he said he’s been percolating for a while: Get a permit to close the streets. Set up a barrier to control entry at a security checkpoint. Charge $5 admission to cover the cost of security. Give everyone who paid for entry access to all the bars and clubs.
When OBJ called nightlife promoter Ricky Padilla to get his reaction, Padilla said, “That would kill us.”
Why? Because nightlife promoters charge entry for the parties they promote, Padilla explained. If all the customers pay $5 for unfettered access, he’s cut out of the equation.
Within minutes, Padilla and NeJame were on the phone refining the plan, and both said the solutions discussed became more workable.
"I didn't think about the promoter's perspective," NeJame later told OBJ. “This corroborates why everybody needs to have voice in this."
The idea of a privatizing the street is not new. In fact, a city spokesperson on Feb. 7 emailed OBJ to say, "There was discussion of possibly having businesses pull an 18A permit to temporarily close downtown. It was ultimately determined that approach would not be feasible."
NeJame wants to evolve the idea and generate support. Here’s what he had to say.What is the core of your proposal for downtown Orlando's nightlife?
I want to privatize the downtown entertainment area with an 18A special events permit like you would do for a festival or special event. This would involve having controlled entrances to the downtown area where a $5 fee would be charged. Law enforcement would screen individuals entering the area to ensure they are not carrying weapons, which is particularly important given Florida's permitless carry law. The revenue generated from this fee could then be used to cover the costs of law enforcement.
What are the key benefits of this approach?
First, it would create a safer outdoor environment by allowing law enforcement to screen everyone entering the area. Many of the bars, lounges and clubs screen guests before they enter, but the key here is making people safe when they are downtown in the streets. Not everyone wants to go inside and they shouldn't have to, to be safe. Also, people go from venue to venue, so they spend time outside no matter what. Second, the revenue generated would help offset the costs of law enforcement, reducing the financial burden on clubs and businesses, many of which are now paying thousands of dollars per week for off-duty police patrols. Third, it would allow downtown to be a thriving entertainment district that benefits both businesses and the community. Finally, it would allow club owners to fill their rooms and the public would have access to a variety of clubs for a small price.
How will promoters make money?
If people have to spend $5 to get into the privatized area, it makes sense that they might not want to pay promoters to get into promoted parties and events. To address this, venues can offer a $5 credit or a free drink card for patrons to use at venue bars, increasing foot traffic for promoters. With a safer downtown, the new system should allow promoters to continue to partner with venues to host events and increase their profits.
How would your overall plan be implemented?
A private enterprise would need to be created to manage the privatized streets, and this entity would be responsible for collecting the entry fee and coordinating law enforcement. The idea is to have a collaborative effort with all relevant parties — the city; law enforcement; property, restaurant and club owners; the parking businesses; promoters; and residents in the district — working together for a common solution. That way, everyone with an interest can be heard and accommodations made so it doesn't become lopsided with some interest groups being left out. This is very similar to the approach we’re taking with the Orange County Jail Oversight Commission.
What is the next step for your proposal?
I'm available to have conversations with the city and push for this to become a reality. I believe I'm in a unique position to bring all the right people to the table. It's essential that everyone has a seat at the table. We need to make the downtown area safe and fun for everyone.
