Petition aims to stop F1 racing in Las Vegas until 2023. Damage fixed

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Business owners who say they lost about $30 million because of a temporary bridge launched a petition Monday to stop the 2024 F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas.

Ferraro’s Ristorante, Battista’s Restaurant and Stage Door Casino are behind the petition, along with Madgy Amer, who lost all of her small businesses, including Tex Mex Tequila on Las Vegas Boulevard, according to a Monday press release.

Business owners are taking aim at this year’s race, saying Clark County commissioners have not yet approved the special use permit required to hold the race. The petition asks commissioners to deny the permit “until the 2023 issues are resolved,” the press release states.

“To date, F1 has not held a public meeting or even sat in a room with all of us together who have lost millions in 2023,” said Gino Ferraro, owner of Ferraro’s Ristorante. “F1 is selling tickets and moving forward as if these problems don’t exist, as if we don’t exist. My family restaurant has been here for 39 years, counting.

8 News Now reached out to county officials for reaction, but a public information officer would only say, “The county has no comment.” “We have also contacted F1 officials, and this story will be updated when their comments are received.

Las Vegas Grand Prix submitted its traffic plan and special use permit application to the county last week, according to Clark County spokeswoman Stephanie Wheatley. “No timetable yet as to when the documents will be made public,” she told 8 News Now.

Some of those involved in today’s petition have threatened to sue F1, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the county in late February.

And a report detailing the problems faced by the county throughout preparations for last year’s race shows F1 officials are used to pushing ahead, even if they haven’t the appropriate permissions to do so. The last-minute changes and safety concerns were highlighted in a report submitted to the county commission on March 19.

Formula 1, owned by Liberty Media, has enjoyed enormous popularity created in part by the Netflix series “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” and it returned to Las Vegas in November 2023. Locals have questioned whether the Traffic problems made hosting the race worth it. , and the drumbeat has not calmed down. Hotel complexes that were not located directly on the racecourse did not participate in the expensive hotel business serving a clientele accustomed to luxury. And the bridge has become a hot spot for local business owners.

The bridge is expected to be returned again this year despite protests from area businesses.

“We know that many more people have been negatively affected by the F1 race in 2023,” Randy Markin, owner of Battista Restaurant and Stage Door Casino, said in a statement contained in the press release.

“Uber drivers, casino workers and other business owners along the Las Vegas Strip have been negatively affected,” Markin said. “We strongly believe we need the public’s input on this event which has been devastating to my business and others.”

Amer said F1 must be responsible for the damage caused to local businesses.

The petition on change.org had gathered 368 signatures as of 1 p.m. Monday. The text of the petition appears below.

Stop Las Vegas Grand Prix (F1)

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Las Vegas, hereby request that local authorities halt the organization and execution of the proposed 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place in our city from November 21-23 2024. Until a fair agreement and if an uninterrupted plan can be developed to host this event without closing the Las Vegas Strip, the Clark County Commission should not issue any special use permits or permits event.

Reasons for the petition:

1. Negative Impact on Local Businesses: Contrary to the purported economic benefits, hosting the Las Vegas Grand Prix negatively affects small businesses, striptease employees and transportation companies, who face significant revenue losses , reduced foot traffic and general business interruptions during the event. period.”
2. Congestion and Traffic Disruptions: The closure of the resort corridor and the construction of a bridge at Flamingo and Koval disrupt the normal flow of transportation in our city. This disruption not only inconveniences residents, but also poses logistical challenges for tourists, employees and public transportation, and forces businesses to suffer revenue losses.
3. Community contribution and transparency: The decision to organize an event of this magnitude must involve transparent communication and active community participation. However, the lack of meaningful consultation with residents and stakeholders raises concerns about accountability and the democratic process.

In conclusion, we urge the authorities to heed our concerns and take immediate action to stop the organization of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The well-being of our city and the interests of its residents must always come first.