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 National Restaurant Association 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 chief executive officer of the Alexandria-based National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, said it’s 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 officers 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 you’ll have more sold,” Sgueo said. “Which means that more often than not there will be more consumed, which means that more often than not you’ll see more abuse.”
