Wharf Fort Lauderdale bans out-of-state jumpers under 23

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. COVID-19 has apparently not deterred many students from flocking to Fort Lauderdale, as the bars along Las Olas and A1A are apparently so crowded that at least one popular venue is taking it upon itself to reduce crowds – even if it means only that people from outside the state are allowed to enter if they are 23 years or older.

In a statement posted on Instagram on Friday, The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, (a popular pub in Fort Lauderdale, with a location in Miami), announced the shocking measure: until March 31, they will restrict their guests with out-of-state IDs to those 23 or older.

The report reads in part: “During the Spring Break season, #WharfFTL will be 23+ for all guests with a foreign ID 😄 #KnotWorking.”

The smiley emoji really speaks volumes as reports of crowded pubs with maskless customers started appearing late this week.

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The post continues: ‘General access and walk-ups are welcome’, but we will work at a lower capacity. For guaranteed access, please book a table by visiting us at wharfftl.com, call us at (954) 372-7606 or send an email to [email protected].😷 Masks must be worn at all times while you walk through common areas and if you do not eat or drink. ”

In a statement shared with Local 10 News, The Wharf management said:

‘With the expected influx of university students visiting from outside the state, we believe it is the responsible thing to do to protect our guests and staff from the spread of COVID-19, as well as to keep our doors open in the long term. ”

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis says he is in favor of the measure.

“I think it’s a very creative way to try to reduce the amount of customers they’re inviting into their space, because right now we’re still in the middle of COVID,” Trantalis said.

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The mayor is well aware of the problems the city has had in The Wharf. In November, the company temporarily closed after dozens of people were noticed shoulder to shoulder, not taking social distance and ignoring COVID-19’s safety rules by not wearing masks.

Management says the latest self-restraint is to follow the rules and stay open.

At least one customer there Friday afternoon disagrees.

“I mean they do an excellent job of making sure people wear masks, so I think that’s a little silly,” she said.

In Miami Beach, police increased the police crew during the spring break, but said what has been seen so far is nothing compared to what visitors can expect over the weekend. According to officials, more enforcement measures will be applied this week, with school holidays for the spring and increased occupancy rates at local hotels.

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Do you know of any other pubs in South Florida that take these measures? Feel free to contact us at [email protected].