How late is last call in South Florida hotspots?

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Johnny DiazContact ReporterStaff writer

It may be last call for pre-dawn drinking at Ocean Drive bars like Mango’s Tropical Cafe and The Clevelander.

Miami Beach residents will vote today on whether to stop alcohol sales on Ocean Drive at 2 a.m.

If approved, all Ocean Drive establishments except indoor portions of bars that are completely enclosed and inside hotels, would change the current 5 a.m. cut-off time to 2 a.m. The measure affects Ocean Drive from Fifth to 15th streets. Bars on other Miami Beach streets such as Washington and Collins avenues could stay open until 5 a.m.

The proposed change comes amid some high profile crimes including a fatal shooting that began over a parking space argument in South Beach during Memorial Day weekend this year. City commissioners also voted Oct. 18 to close the beach east of the sand dunes at 10 p.m. instead of midnight to reduce violent crimes on the beach and to protect sea turtles.

Other South Florida cities with popular entertainment strips already shut the taps at 2 a.m. Here’s a primer on how late last call is called in some other cities:

Hollywood: The city is home to the bustling Broadwalk where tourists and spirited Parrotheads (thanks to the new Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort) stroll and sip drinks while accompanied by the ocean breeze. The city allows allows businesses to sell alcohol in restaurants and bars until 2:00 a.m. But a business may apply for what’s known as an extended hours license that allows them to sell alcohol in their restaurants until 4:00 a.m, said Raelin Storey, Hollywood's public affairs and marketing director. She noted that there are few establishments on Hollywood Beach that have this license. One of them is Nick’s Bar and Grill.

Fort Lauderdale: It’s called Fort Liquordale for a reason. Broward’s largest city allows bars in two entertainment districts — the beach and Himmarshee Village on Southwest Second Street — to serve alcohol until 4 a.m.

Boca Raton: Earlier this year, Boca city council members passed a 2 a.m. curfew on alcohol sales after residents complained about noise and crime. The enforcement affected two clubs (Blue Martini and Nippers) near Town Center at Boca Raton that were part of a land annexation in 2003 and were allowed to serve alcohol until 5 a.m.

Delray Beach: The city’s Atlantic Avenue has shoulder-to-shoulder bars and restaurants and a lively nightlife that spills onto South Ocean Boulevard across the beach. Delray Beach limits alcohol sales within city limits to 2 a.m.