Downtown Lakeland’s Rec Room, which bills itself as a “barcode” with full cocktail, beer, and wine service and arcade games, plans to double its indoor space and expand its outdoor area.
At the same time, neighbors are already concerned about late-night noise from the bar and its patrons after it closes at 2 a.m.
The proposed expansion space would accommodate 162 more people. There will be room for 75 people in a covered patio area on Cedar Street.
Currently, until 9 p.m., Rec Room is open to all ages; after 9 p.m., it is open only to those 21 years old or older.
Lakeland Rec Room proprietor Conn O’Leary has offered to make some changes he hopes will help his business be a friendly neighbor:
On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., O’Leary shall hire off-duty law enforcement.
All outdoor patio areas shall be for outdoor seating only, with no games or other bar-related activities.
Have no outdoor speakers or amplified noise of any kind within the outdoor seating area.
Install noise mitigation measures for the outside seating, including a vegetative buffer along Cedar Street.
The Lakeland Planning & Zoning Board approved the Rec Room’s conditional. It will now go to the City Commission for a vote.