Debate grows over closing times for Daytona Beach bars

A debate is growing over the 3 a.m. closing times for Daytona Beach bars.

The mayor and commissioners discussed the issue Wednesday night after fielding complaints from residents for years about late-night problems. The debate was initially about a beachside corner along Seabreeze Boulevard.

During the city's Dec. 2 meeting, Mayor Derrick Henry said that if things don't improve soon, he'd be in favor of rolling back closing times to 2 a.m. That's when other establishments in Volusia County close. Wednesday they discussed problems and possible solutions.

Citizens have complained about noise from inebriated patrons leaving bars in the wee hours of the morning. Some residents have also asked the city to get more restrictive about allowing new bars to open.