I don’t think anyone wants Howard Avenue to become the next Bourbon Street, but I don’t understand this decision. The Tampa City Council rejected The Lime’s request to stay open later, until 2:00 on some nights. South Tampa should be more urban. It’s not a sleepy bedroom community. If you want that, go north. It’s not like they’re asking to serve alcohol until six in the morning.

If you choose to live in an urban area you should we willing to accept the lifestyle. A more varied mix of people, professions and lifestyles are what city living is about. There are young professionals that want to go out after work. There are couples without kids who want to eat later. Many people work late and want to unwind after they get off. Everyone is not in bed by 11:00 PM.

It seems that every time something like this comes up, the Council is inundated with whining about noise or the downfall of society because a restaurant want to serve  a drink or stay open later. Are there that many people who are opposed to these things or are they just the loudest voices?

I’m disappointed with John Dingfelder. He’s usually one of the better voices on the Council, but he came to his decision because of 30 emails? Really? 30? That’s want constitutes overwhelming public opinion? I’m sure there’s more than 30 people who would like to finish watching a game and have a beer past midnight, rather than be told by the city they should be home and in bed.

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