Miami Beach cracks down on hotels that violate alcohol law

Miami Beach hotels that are serving guests alcohol on the beach are breaking the city’s alcohol laws and police have been ordered to strictly enforce them.

According to reports, the city’s attorney has advised officials that these hotels are not allowed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages to guests or customers on the beach – which is public property.

The news is likely to deal a huge blow to proprietors who have plans for Memorial Day weekend, especially with Urban Beach Week – which attracts thousands of locals and visitors to the area.

City Attorney Jose Smith said this ongoing practice is against the law and he is unsure why hotels that are in violation have not yet been cited. Smith's move to enforce the law is centered on public property, and what the rules are governing the beaches and the streets of his city.

The law does not affect hotel pool sides and other areas. However, Smith is also drafting proposals for firmer rules for rooftop lounges – a move which has hoteliers vehemently opposing.

But it was a similar event, Spring Break, which brought the issue to fore when angry residents complained some weeks ago about the littering and alcohol consumption of spring breakers.

Commissioners responded by ordering police to enforce Miami Beach’s littering and drinking laws, which ban selling or drinking alcohol in public places.

Breaking the law could result in fines or jail time.