VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s statewide prosecutor has subpoenaed records from the Kilted Mermaid, a popular Vero Beach restaurant, over an LGBTQ Pride event it hosted last month. The event was advertised as open to all ages, which the prosecutor’s office claims may have violated a state law targeting “adult” performances — even though that law is currently blocked by the courts.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier alleged in a statement Tuesday that the event featured “adult, sexualized performers in front of children.” However, his office did not clarify which specific laws were allegedly broken, despite multiple requests for comment.
The subpoena, issued earlier this month, demands guest lists, reservation logs, surveillance footage, and performer contracts related to the event.
The restaurant’s owner, Linda Moore — who also serves as vice mayor of Vero Beach — has not yet responded to inquiries for comment.
The law in question, known as the Protection of Children Act and often referred to as Florida’s “drag show ban,” was championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and signed into law in 2023. It allows the state to penalize venues for admitting children to what it calls “adult live performances.” While the law does not mention drag shows explicitly, its legislative sponsor confirmed that drag performances were the primary target.
Penalties for violating the law include fines, suspension or revocation of liquor licenses, and misdemeanor criminal charges.
However, enforcement of the law was put on hold after Orlando-based restaurant Hamburger Mary’s filed a lawsuit, arguing the statute infringes on First Amendment rights and chills protected speech — particularly drag performances that are family-friendly.
A federal court temporarily blocked the law from being enforced statewide, a ruling that remains in effect pending further legal proceedings.
