Melissa Donovan
Tanqueray’s Bar, one of the city’s oldest live music venues, has announced it will permanently close at the end of 2025. The bar’s final night of operation is scheduled for December 31, 2025, culminating with a farewell New Year’s Eve celebration.
The announcement was shared by the owner on social media, pointing to a combination of ongoing challenges impacting downtown bars and a lease that will not be renewed by the building’s current owner. According to the post, operating conditions within Orlando’s downtown entertainment district have grown increasingly difficult since 2023, making it harder for long-established venues to remain viable.
Located at the corner of Pine Street and Orange Avenue, Tanqueray’s has been a cornerstone of downtown Orlando nightlife for nearly 37 years, with its anniversary set to arrive this March. Over the decades, it earned a reputation as one of the city’s longest-running live music bars, serving as a consistent home for local musicians and a gathering place for generations of regulars.
In addition to business challenges, the closure also coincides with a personal milestone for the owner, who has spent 49 years in the hospitality industry. The bar’s final night will also mark the owner’s 70th birthday, aligning the closure with long-planned retirement goals.
Tanqueray’s legacy is closely tied to Orlando’s local music community. The venue has hosted countless live performances and helped foster a loyal following of patrons, artists, and staff. In the announcement, the owner expressed appreciation for the bar’s employees and customers, emphasizing the role they played in sustaining the business for nearly four decades.
The closure comes amid broader changes within downtown Orlando’s nightlife landscape. Tanqueray’s joins a growing list of well-known bars and clubs that have announced closures over the past year, including 1-Up and High-T. Owners of those establishments have similarly pointed to city regulations affecting late-night alcohol service, including the cost and requirements associated with after-midnight alcohol sales permits, as contributing factors.
City regulations implemented or expanded since 2023 have reshaped how downtown nightlife businesses operate, particularly those that rely on late-night crowds. For venues like Tanqueray’s, which built their identity around live music and extended hours, those changes have had a noticeable impact on foot traffic and revenue.
Despite the announcement, Tanqueray’s will remain open throughout 2025, giving patrons ample time to visit before the doors officially close. The New Year’s Eve celebration will serve not only as a final event but also as a send-off for a venue that has played a significant role in downtown Orlando’s cultural and nightlife history.
As downtown continues to evolve, the closing of Tanqueray’s marks the end of an era for many longtime Orlando residents and music fans who have considered the bar a second home.
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