Legislation would allow patrons to sober up

Daniel Abbey

Students could soon be able to sober up – or continue the party – at
local bars and clubs.

The Michigan Senate recently voted 35-0 to approve a bill that would
allow liquor licensed establishments to extend their hours and stay
open past 2 a.m.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s signature is the only thing needed to make
the bill a law in Michigan.

The bill wouldn’t allow bars to serve alcohol after 2 a.m., but
shows, routines and dancing would go on, along with the serving of food
and beverages.

Norm Smith, co-owner of the Wayside Central and O’Kellys Sports Bar
& Grill, 2000 S. Mission Road, said the law might be a good idea.

“I’m all for it,” he said. “We’re definitely going to look into it.”

Venues would need a permit from the state Liquor Control Commission,
as well as approval from local police and governments.

Current laws allow venues with liquor licenses to stay open past 2
a.m. if they have full-service kitchens with all-night permits.
Establishments like bowling alleys are also allowed to stay open.
They are not allowed to have dancing, billiards or other entertainment.

“Other states are going until 4 a.m. with alcohol,” Smith said.
“It’s coming across the country.”

Leon Drake, general manager at The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield Road,
doesn’t agree with Smith.

“I can’t see it being that profitable,” Drake said. “Most people by
that time have had too much to drink.”

Smith said the extended time will give bar patrons ample time to
sober up.

“The more time you give somebody, the better it is,” he said. “So
people don’t try to squeeze it in.”

Drake said he would rather see a sober driver or a taxi take people
home from his bar.

Holt senior Kristen Tucker frequents Mount Pleasant bars and said
she would stay past 2 a.m.

“At least for a little while, up to an hour,” she said. “It
could be beneficial for the patrons and the bar. I don’t see it hurting
anything at all.”

Tucker said she feels people would extend their hours if their
favorite bar did.

“People would stay,” she said. “Two o’clock comes too soon.”

Smith said he thinks the laws would be great for a place like the
Wayside.

“It would help night clubs,” he said. “Once they’re here and having
fun, they don’t want to stop.”

Drake said he doesn’t think the late hours are that big of a deal.

“Our kitchen is open until 1:30 a.m. anyway,” he said. “Even on New
Year’s, we close by 3:30 a.m.”