Local
Bars may stay open around the clock for inaugural
By: Leah Fabel
Examiner Staff Writer
December 1, 2008
District bars could be allowed to stay open around the clock as what may be millions
descend on the city to celebrate Barack Obama's inauguration.
A measure put forth today by D.C. Councilman Jim Graham - who represents the
party-friendly Adams Morgan neighborhood - would allow bars and restaurants
licensed to serve alcohol to keep pouring until 5 a.m., and to keep doors
open 24-hours per day between Jan. 17 and Jan. 21.
Charles Allen, chief of staff for Councilman Tommy Wells, said the Council
received information about the proposal Monday and will vote on it today.
the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington had already notified Council members of
its support for the measure.
The move would be similar to, but further-reaching than legislation passed
in St. Paul, Minn., when the city hosted the Republican National Convention
in early September.
Like D.C., most St. Paul liquor sales end at 2 a.m. But during the
convention, eight bars and restaurants were allowed to remain open until 4
a.m. with a special $50 registration.
"Overall, it was very successful," said Kris Schweinler, the city's senior
license inspector, adding that the only problems came from a handful of
non-registered bars that sold overtime anyway.
James Sgueo, president and CEO of the Alexandria-based National Alcohol
Beverage Control Association, said it¹s not unusual for states and cities to
make special accommodations for huge events, and D.C. should be no
exception.
"With a possible 4 million people in town, the city should probably provide
more leniency," Sgueo said. "But at the same time the police and law
enforcement officials need to coordinate with the relevant departments so
they all know what they're up against."
During the day's inaugural festivities, D.C. police chief Cathy Lanier has
said at least 4,000 police from around the country will join her 4,100
forces patrolling the crowds. That work is likely to extend late into the
evening hours, said a police spokesman.
And that's when the real work might begin.
"When there's more access to alcohol, more often than not you¹ll have more
sold," Sgueo said. "Which means that more often than not there will be more
consumed, which means that more often than not you¹ll see more abuse."
lfabel@dcexaminer.com
descend on the city to celebrate Barack Obama's inauguration.
A measure put forth today by D.C. Councilman Jim Graham - who represents the
party-friendly Adams Morgan neighborhood - would allow bars and restaurants
licensed to serve alcohol to keep pouring until 5 a.m., and to keep doors
open 24-hours per day between Jan. 17 and Jan. 21.
Charles Allen, chief of staff for Councilman Tommy Wells, said the Council
received information about the proposal Monday and will vote on it today.
the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington had already notified Council members of
its support for the measure.
The move would be similar to, but further-reaching than legislation passed
in St. Paul, Minn., when the city hosted the Republican National Convention
in early September.
Like D.C., most St. Paul liquor sales end at 2 a.m. But during the
convention, eight bars and restaurants were allowed to remain open until 4
a.m. with a special $50 registration.
"Overall, it was very successful," said Kris Schweinler, the city's senior
license inspector, adding that the only problems came from a handful of
non-registered bars that sold overtime anyway.
James Sgueo, president and CEO of the Alexandria-based National Alcohol
Beverage Control Association, said it¹s not unusual for states and cities to
make special accommodations for huge events, and D.C. should be no
exception.
"With a possible 4 million people in town, the city should probably provide
more leniency," Sgueo said. "But at the same time the police and law
enforcement officials need to coordinate with the relevant departments so
they all know what they're up against."
During the day's inaugural festivities, D.C. police chief Cathy Lanier has
said at least 4,000 police from around the country will join her 4,100
forces patrolling the crowds. That work is likely to extend late into the
evening hours, said a police spokesman.
And that's when the real work might begin.
"When there's more access to alcohol, more often than not you¹ll have more
sold," Sgueo said. "Which means that more often than not there will be more
consumed, which means that more often than not you¹ll see more abuse."
lfabel@dcexaminer.com
