Meeting targets age limit in downtown Fort Myers bars

The City of Fort Myers invites bar and nightclub operators and other interested parties to participate in a Town Hall Meeting to hear a report generated from the first meeting held on March 18 where downtown stakeholders discussed allowing 18- to 20-year-olds back into bars and nightclubs. The meeting will be held at Harborside Event Center, first floor, Section A, on Wednesday, May 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. All stakeholders who have an interest in the issue are welcome to attend.

Six years ago, city council passed an ordinance banning the entry of persons between 18 and 20 years old from bars and nightclubs. This was due to complaints of underage drinking, disorderly crowds, garbage and litter in the streets and excessive demand on police services. Operators of these establishments are now asking the city to reconsider the ban. Participants in the first meeting in March shared their views on the issue and

made suggestions about how to solve the problems associated with it.