INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — County Commissioners voted 4-1 with Commissioner Tim Zorc opposed, to extend the hours for service and consumption of alcohol at establishments in the unincorporated areas of Indian River County from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The Board held a short public hearing in regards to the extension at it’s Tuesday meeting in which only one person from the public spoke on the matter, and her questions revolved around clarification.
Commissioner Peter O’Bryan specified the Board’s decision would only effect establishments in the unincorporated areas of the county, which do not include the cities of Sebastian and Fellsmere or the towns of Orchid or Indian River Shores.
The Board’s decision to extend the hours of service came on the heels of a Vero Beach City Council decision in May to apply the 2 a.m. service and consumption ordinance to the City of Vero Beach.
Like Vero Beach, the County has imposed a sunset date of June 15, 2015, to which law enforcement has agreed to deliver a report including any negative impact the extension may or may not have on the safety of the community.
Commissioners will revisit the ordinance after June 15 of next year and make a decision about continuing the 2 a.m. closing time based on the Sheriff’s findings.
