Public urination.
Used condoms.
Vomit on the street.
Annapolis residents detailed these and other incidents that occur in their neighborhoods after downtown bars and restaurants close, as they argued against alcohol being served until 2 a.m., two hours longer than the current cutoff for some restaurants and bars.
“You?re not there to have dinner from 12 to 2 a.m.; You?re there to drink more, and more drinking causes more destruction,” said East Street resident Richard James at Monday?s Annapolis City Council meeting.
About 30 people testified at City Hall, with twice as many observing, while mostly Ward 1 residents said they were tired of being awakened by cursing drunks who crash into parked vehicles and destroy flowerpots.
“When the bars let out is when the calls to the police force take place … we would like the police force to have the time to work on the homicides,” said Doug Smith, president of the Ward One Residents Association, a nonpartisan organization representing those who live or own businesses in Annapolis.
The bill that raised such contention was introduced by Alderwoman Classie Hoyle, D-Ward 3.
But bar and restaurant owners said they can?t be held responsible for patrons after they leave, and the problem is a lack of police patrols.
Chris Fox, co-owner of the Sly Fox Pub, in Annapolis, supports the proposal because it would allow all bars and restaurants toapply for a 2 a.m. liquor license.
Some bars and restaurants have 2 a.m. licenses, while others have to stop serving alcohol at midnight.
“We have to abide by rules that other [bars and restaurant] in our district don?t have to abide by ? that?s not the American way,” Fox said.
The Annapolis City Council?s next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19.
