The DeSantis administration has taken swift action against a major Miami hotel after it hosted an infamous Christmas-themed drag queen show in December that allowed minors to be present. On March 14, 2023, Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation moved to have the Hyatt Regency Miami stripped of its liquor license over the “lewd, vulgar and indecent” performance.[0]
The show, titled “A Drag Queen Christmas,” was hosted at the James L. Knight Center, which is affiliated with the Hyatt.[1] The performers were wearing “sexually suggesting clothing and prosthetic female genitalia” and were “simulating masturbation,” according to the complaint filed by the department.[2] Additionally, the performers were exposing their rears and had “graphic depictions of childbirth and/or abortion.”[2]
The minors were allowed in as long as they were with an adult, though the department warned the venue not to admit minors or otherwise face penalties, including an alcohol license revocation.[1] A screenshot of the tickets being sold that read “all ages welcome” was the impetus of the complaint.[3]
Bryan Griffin, DeSantis’ press secretary, stated that “sexually explicit content is not appropriate to display to children and doing so violates Florida law. Governor DeSantis stands up for the innocence of children in the classroom and throughout Florida.”[2] Hyatt Regency Miami is allowed to keep selling alcohol until the department makes a final decision, though it has 21 days to request a hearing.[1]
The state’s business department has accused the facility of several violations, including a prohibition of “lascivious exhibition” before people younger than 16.[3] In 2021, Tennessee became the initial state to prohibit adult performances, including drag, from public places like parks and schools.[3] Public libraries across the US have also faced backlash from some parents in recent years for hosting Drag Queen Story Hours.[1]
0. “DeSantis, Florida agency go after Miami hotel for drag show” Daily Mail, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11859045/DeSantis-Florida-agency-Miami-hotel-drag-show.html
1. “DeSantis administration revokes Hyatt Regency Miami alcohol license after it hosted “A Drag Queen Christmas”” Yahoo! Voices, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/news/desantis-administration-revokes-hyatt-regency-165437400.html
2. “DeSantis strips luxurious Florida hotel’s liquor license after hosting ‘lewd’ drag show with children present” Fox News, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/us/desantis-strips-luxurious-florida-hotels-liquor-license-hosting-lewd-drag-show-children-present
3. “DeSantis admin revokes Hyatt Miami alcohol license after drag show” Business Insider, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.businessinsider.com/desantis-admin-revokes-hyatt-miami-alcohol-license-after-drag-show-2023-3
