Some Disney Springs Bars Closed Due to New Florida Directive

Some bars at Disney Springs were closed today, appearing to have been affected by the new directive from the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulations. Read on for details.

Earlier we covered the new mandate tweeted by the head of Florida’s Business and Professional Regulations Department, Halsey Beshears.

The tweet read, “Effective immediately, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is suspending on premises consumption of alcohol at bars statewide.”

At the time of publication we were unsure of the classifications of many of the Disney Springs establishments, such as Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and others. The mandate does not apply to Florida’s restaurants.

According to visitors to Disney Springs today, both Jock Lindsey’s Hangar bar and Dockside Margaritas are closed. Kiosk stands and restaurants do not appear to have been impacted by the mandate. The Edison and Wine Bar George did not appear to be affected and are open today.

Florida has been allowing bars to sell alcohol on a “to go” basis, which explains why kiosks are not impacted. They do not have seating for guests.

The new directive seeks to limit congregation at bars in order to curb the spread of coronavirus, particularly among younger groups. Coronavirus transmissions are trending upwards in the state of Florida, with more young adults testing positive in recent days.

Given that kiosks at Disney Springs have not been impacted, we expect that the planned Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, which starts when Epcot opens on July 15, will be similarly unaffected.

The mayor of Orange County and the governor of Florida have given no indication that they will intervene and ask Disney to delay their reopening. Both have said that they will leave it to Disney to decide.

Do you think Disney should go ahead with their plans to reopen? Or should they postpone? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, and join our lovely Facebook group, too!

-Rebecca W Davis