Closing time in Nebraska bars would be nudged back an hour if a bill sponsored by Sen. Kent Rogert of Tekamah becomes law.
Rogert’s LB262, aiming to allow liquor sales until 2 a.m., would overturn the state’s 1 a.m. curfew, which has been on the books since 1935. More than 10 previous bills have failed to uproot the long-standing law.
The legislation would combat “border bleeding,” when patrons bounce to border states before Nebraska bars close, Rogert said.
A later closing time would give local liquor vendors a more “level playing field” and keep valuable tax revenue inside Nebraska, Rogert said.
“It’s a great way to get a tax from people who are trying to spend money.”
With more than half of the state’s population within 30 minutes of the state line, it’s too easy for people to take their money elsewhere when Nebraska bars and liquor stores close, said Jim Moylan, lobbyist for the Nebraska Licensed
Beverage Association.
All states bordering Nebraska sell liquor until at least 2 a.m., along with 38 others throughout the country.
Moylan added the curfew change would give an additional cocktail hour to third-shift workers at hospitals and factories who don’t get off until 11 p.m. or later at night.
Lincoln bar owners see it as a golden hour to rake in thousands of dollars.
Josh Hallett, owner and manager of the Alley, 1031 M St., said the bill would be “good for Nebraska and good for small business owners around the rest of the state.” He said his bar can bring in $1,000 to $2,000 per hour on a busy weekend.
Alex Coyle, general manager for Brother’s Bar and Grill, 1339 O St., said, “I’m all for (the bill). I hope it takes hold. … It would definitely be worth it to stay open,” although he wouldn’t say how much money the bar could earn in the extra hour.
But not everyone sees Rogert’s bill as a
positive step forward for Nebraska.
Diane Riibe, executive director for Project Extra Mile, a statewide coalition to prevent underage drinking, labeled the legislation as poor policy.
The risks of assault and drunk driving are directly related to alcohol’s availability, she said. As one increases, the other follows suit.
Riibe added that the “enforcement piece of it,” asking police to endure another hour, would be a hassle.
“I see why it isn’t passed,” she said. “It isn’t a very good policy. … If you really studied the issue and the harm (of alcohol), you probably wouldn’t introduce (the bill).”
Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casady was not available for comment late Tuesday afternoon, but Rogert said LPD opposed the bill.
LB262 was debated during the Legislature’s General Affairs Committee hearing on Monday. It is now up to the committee to decide to either kill or revise the legislation.
teresalohstroh@dailynebraskan.com
Bill would push back state liquor sale curfew
Published: Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, February 4, 2009
2 comments
John
Why not? People who want to drink will continue to do so whether or not the bars are open.
Tom
I have a child in high school and his weekend curfew is 1:00. This would give he and his friends time to get home safely before the bars close. Closing the bars doesn't keep people from drinking. I would rather see the bars make more money and keep things in check, than to see another house party in my neighborhood.
