Governor Gets Drug Bill Aimed at Club Owners

TALLAHASSEE, FL-Frustrated at being unable to make owners of nightclub properties accountable for illegal drug sales on their premises, legislators have passed a measure that could get proprietors jail time of five years and heavy fines if convicted.

The bill lands on Gov. Jeb Bush’s desk Monday for his signature. Real estate and first-amendment lawyers see numerous lawsuits ahead, challenging the constitutionality of the proposed law.

“It puts a badge on the coat of every club owner and makes him a policeman,” a representative for one of Orlando’s largest law firms tells GlobeSt.com on condition of anonymity. “It’s too broad” to be enforceable.