Florida
Ron DeSantis Moves To Strip Florida Venue’s Liquor License For Christmas Drag Show
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration moved on Friday to strip an Orlando performing arts heart of its liquor license in retaliation for internet hosting a holiday-themed drag present in December.
A 27-page criticism filed by the state’s Division of Enterprise and Skilled Regulation alleged that the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Basis “knowingly welcomed” attendees below age 18 to look at “A Drag Queen Christmas” in opposition to Florida regulation.
The transfer comes as DeSantis, a hard-right Republican, continues to wage conflict on drag performers and smear members of the LGBTQ neighborhood with accusations of kid abuse as he eyes a run for the White Home.
The civil criticism acknowledged {that a} signal on the venue, referred to as The Plaza Dwell, warned adults about bringing minors with them however claimed that it “was barely seen.”
The signal implicitly directed mother and father to make their very own selections ― which DeSantis has lauded as a “elementary proper” in parenting.
The Dec. 28 occasion was billed because the eighth annual vacation drag present. Pictures from the venue present no less than two kids apparently being led into the viewers. The criticism additionally contained nonetheless pictures of the stage; one featured a display screen with a finger pointing into a vacation wreath. Others confirmed shirtless males and a costumed drag queen carrying antlers.
The Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Basis didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Florida Division of Enterprise and Skilled Regulation
Songs carried out included “Screwdolph the Crimson-Nippled Reindeer,” which, based on the criticism, featured the next lyrics: “Then one soggy Christmas Eve, Santa got here to say, ‘Screwdolph along with your nipples so vivid gained’t you information my sleigh tonight?’”
A Florida enterprise regulation division consultant instructed The Orlando Sentinel that the venue may proceed to promote alcohol whereas the criticism was processed.
The criticism outlined six civil counts of violations of Florida statutes regarding lewd content material being placed on the place minors may see it. No prison fees have been filed.