Assemblyman Proposes Earlier Last Call for Certain Bars

Patrick Flynn's ordinance would cut off patrons at larger bars earlier

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By Lauren Maxwell
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Story Created: Dec 18, 2012 at 6:43 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 18, 2012 at 7:08 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - An Anchorage Assemblyman thinks Downtown Anchorage would be a safer place if some bars were required to stop serving alcohol an hour earlier. Assemblyman Patrick Flynn planned to introduce an ordinance Tuesday night that would make “last call” come an hour earlier for larger bars in the Downtown area.

Flynn’s ordinance would apply to downtown bars that hold at least 125 patrons; smaller ones would be exempt. Flynn said the larger bars would not be required to close earlier, but simply stop serving alcohol an hour before they close.

“Under the present scenario everyone is basically pushed out the door after getting their drink 10 minutes before closing,” said Flynn. “Their drinks are taken away from them and you have people who are a little irritated, perhaps a little intoxicated, and you have dozens and dozens of them congregating immediately outside of a club.”

Police agree that can cause trouble, especially fights and assaults. But an organization that represents bar owners said the proposal could end up causing even more danger in the form of drunk driving.
Because only larger bars Downtown would have to stop serving early, patrons might get behind the wheel to find a bar that is still serving.

The ordinance is being proposed at the December 18 assembly meeting. A public hearing is scheduled for January 15.
 

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really? said on Thursday, Dec 20 at 11:44 AM

People that want another will just head for one of the smaller bars that is still serving, duh!

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to stop said on Wednesday, Dec 19 at 8:14 PM

just because you work 9-5 doesn't mean everyone does. 1am may be someones early evening

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stop the partying said on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 10:33 PM

Every single assembly person needs to drive around downtown at 2 AM on the weekend nights and see exactly what is going on down there. I will tell you, nothing good is going on downtown. We really must get this problem under control. I think every single bar in this town needs to be closed at midnight every single night. Why does anyone need to be drinking into the wee hours of the morning?

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Lets be smart said on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 10:13 PM

Lets put some breath monitoring machines at the door and if they plan to drive, then get them a taxi and put thier keys in a lockbox in the bar till morning. All the bars can adopt this rule and look how many people this may save and keep out of our courts and jails....think about that

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yah said on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 8:25 PM

they never think of the unintended consequences when they come up with these "bright ideas". here is and idea no new laws or ordnances in 2013, instead get rid of some

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