WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Leaders in Winter Garden say they want to add restrictions to late-night alcohol sales in the city.

Next week, city leaders will hear the second reading of an ordinance that, if approved, would restrict the sale and consumption of alcohol between midnight and 2 a.m.

While city officials say the change is needed, some owners of the seven downtown businesses that would be impacted say they are confused by it.

Becky Roper says she opened Pilars Martini and Loft on Plant street in 2013 when she saw a need for a late-night spot in the heart of Winter Garden.

“The people that come in at midnight, they’re the people that are just getting off work at Disney or the hospital, or maybe serving another restaurant," she said. "And they come here because they are having a drink close to home before they go home."

She said her business model has been successful for the last 11 years, but was surprised when she first learned of the proposed ordinance that would restrict her hours.

The ordinance states the city has received persistent complaints from the public about issues related to the sale of alcohol by businesses after midnight.

“I was shocked by it, because I’m here a lot and they were saying things that bad things happen after midnight," Roper said. "And I’m here and I didn’t experience that."

While the city staff did not provide records of the complaints, they said there have been issues with trash in downtown, and have video footage showing illegal activities.

Roper says she is worried about how strict the ordinance is and the effect it would have on business. She said she took her concerns to city leaders, but doesn't think they have been taken into account.

“As we’ve continued conversations with the city and other business owners, um, they’ve continued to massage the ordinance and they just keep throwing more stuff in it," Roper said. "It seems like it’s a bit of a kitchen sink ordinance at this point. It’s got a little bit of this, a little bit of that. So much so that they’ve even in included verbiage about food that was taken out from state regulations in 2016.”

In a statement, city officials said they’ve met with the impacted businesses for months and feel like their listening sessions were productive and led to revisions in the proposed ordinance that strike the right balance for all stakeholders.

Roper, however, disagreed.

“I ultimately think that this is an ordinance that no one wants, but we’re gonna get anyway,” she said.

If passed, this ordinance would go into effect next Thursday. The ordinance does allow for businesses to pay to apply for a permit that would allow alcohol sales after midnight. While city officials said they would help businesses meet the requirements, Roper said she has no idea what the permit application process would look like.

The businesses that would be impacted are:

• Hagan O’Reilly’s Irish Pub

• Mr. Shots Cantina

• Miller’s Ale House

• Cariera’s Fresh Italian

• Pilar’s Martini & Loft

• Whole Enchilada 

• Tony’s Liquor

The city of Winter Garden provided this statement on the proposed ordinance:

“This Alcohol Ordinance aligns the city charter and code with the State of Florida regulations, while not negatively impacting hours in which alcohol sales and consumption can occur. Additionally, this ordinance allows the city to be more responsive to reported issues related to late-night alcohol consumption and to provide clear guidance on other issues related to alcohol sales and consumption. The goal is to encourage and maintain the city’s public safety, a high quality of life and foster a family-friendly environment throughout our city — all while supporting a thriving business community. This is our fiduciary responsibility to all of Winter Garden’s citizens. We also believe this ordinance strikes the right balance for all stakeholders.“