Resolution 2019-30889 RESOLUTION NO. 2019-30889
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING
THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE MAYOR'S PANEL ON
OCEAN DRIVE (SAFETY, SECURITY, AND
INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE), AT ITS JUNE 6,
2019 MEETING, URGING THE CITY TO ADOPT A "ZERO-
TOLERANCE" POLICY FOR ANY DECEPTIVE BUSINESS
PRACTICES EMPLOYED BY BUSINESS OPERATORS IN
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.
WHEREAS, Miami Beach is a global destination, hosting approximately 13.3
million visitors each year, and is considered one of the world's most popular tourist
destinations because of its beaches, crystal-clear blue water, and amazing tropical
environment; and
WHEREAS, some restaurant operators in the City, particularly on Ocean Drive,
have received staggering amounts of complaints by patrons, including online reviews on
web-based platforms such as Yelp and TripAdvisor; and
WHEREAS, the complaints reference deceptive business practices, including
bait and switch tactics, price gouging, and lack of clear pricing on food and drink
specials, resulting in surprise bills,of hundreds of dollars; and
WHEREAS, deceptive business practices that take place throughout the City and
exploit the patrons, most of whom are tourists, are damaging to the City's reputation
and brand as an international, world renowned tourist destination; and
WHEREAS, at its June 6, 2019 meeting, the Mayor's Panel on Ocean Drive
Safety, Security, and Infrastructure Subcommittee (the "Subcommittee") unanimously
passed a motion, encouraging the City of Miami Beach to adopt a "zero-
tolerance policy" for any deceptive business practices taking place in the City; and
WHEREAS, the Subcommittee expressed support for strict enforcement
measures and penalties in instances where the City concludes, after a thorough and fair
investigation, that a business engaged in deceptive business practices; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission recognize and concur that there
must be a zero-tolerance policy on deceptive business practices employed by business
operators in the City of Miami Beach; and
WHEREAS, should the City find that a business operator engaged in deceptive
business practices, the business operator will be subjected to strict enforcement
measures and penalties including, but not limited to, suspension or revocation of the
business's Business Tax Receipt (or of sidewalk café permit, if applicable).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby accept the recommendation of the Mayor's Panel on Ocean Drive
(Safety, Security, and Infrastructure Subcommittee), at its June 6, 2019 meeting, urging
the City to adopt a "zero-tolerance" policy for any deceptive business practices employed
by business operators in the City of Miami Beach.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this /7 day of LIy , 2019.
ATTEST:
Dan Gelber, Mayor
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Rafael E. Granado, ity Clerk
(Sponsored by Commissioner Mark Samuelian)
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APPROVED AS TO
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City Attorney ate
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Resolutions -C7 S
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Raul J.Aguila, City Attorney
DATE: July 17, 2019
SUBJECT:A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI
BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
MAYOR'S PANEL ON OCEAN DRIVE (SAFETY, SECURITY, AND
INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE), AT ITS JUNE 6, 2019 MEETING,
URGING THE CITY TO ADOPT A "ZERO-TOLERANCE" POLICY FOR ANY
DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES EMPLOYED BY BUSINESS
OPERATORS IN THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.
RECOMMENDATION
Pursuant to the request of Commissioner Mark Samuelian, the above-referenced Resolution is
submitted for consideration by the Mayor and City Commission at the July 17, 2019
Commission meeting.
Legislative Tracking
Office of the City Attorney
Sponsor
Commissioner Mark Samuelian
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
❑ Deceptive Business Practices Reso
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