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Bars not interested in a.m. closingBy Joel Stottrup There is little interest shown in Princeton for taking advantage of the state's new law allowing cities to pass an ordinance allowing bars to stay open until 2 a.m., in contrast to the current 1 a.m. closing. The new state law takes effect July 1 and so far the Princeton City Council has not put it on any agenda to discuss. City Administrator Mark Karnowski said last week the council won't consider the matter unless a Princeton bar owner or manager requests the authorization, and that none have. As part of the new law, if a city allows bars in its city limits to stay open until 2 a.m. each establishment would have to pay the state a certain fee that would range from $200 to $600, depending on income. Here are the responses the Union-Eagle received when asking at local establishments that serve alcohol about the idea of staying open until 2 a.m. Northern Attitudes Bar & Grill - "We probably would not be interested," said owner/operator Carol Dalske. A big reason, Dalske said, is that the fee Northern Attitudes would have to pay for the right to stay open until 2 a.m. would probably range from $500 to $600 per year. The fee, she said, is based on gross liquor sales. Dalske also indicated a reason beyond the monetary. "If people are drinking until 1 a.m. they have had enough time to go home or not drink anymore," she said. "As far as being a bar owner, my responsibility is not limited just to here but also out on the road." Dalske added that her bar's insurance company would also likely have a say in what she would consider regarding the 2 p.m. option. In the metro area with their convention centers, making use of the new law is a little different situation because the convention goers are all in one spot, Dalske said. Neal Paulson, manager of the American Legion in Princeton, said he would not consider having the club stay open later unless all the other establishments in Princeton did. Staying open later would mean more operating costs and having to schedule someone longer, he said. Princeton VFW Club manager Ann Kouri said last week she was hoping she could talk with the VFW board June 17 about the subject. She said quite a few VFW patrons have asked if management was considering it. The Union-Eagle reached VFW board member Dick Dobson Tuesday to get a sampling of what the board might say. "I think it's unnecessary," said Dobson. "Maybe in the metro area where there are convention centers it would be worthwhile. Outstate, we don't need the extra time. There would be lights, heat and bartender cost and then there's the fee. I don't think the end justifies the means." Dobson also said he could foresee later closings resulting in more driving-impaired people out on the road, and for that reason said he hopes the city doesn't pass an ordinance allowing the later bar closing. When Dobson was appraised of the Legion manager's thoughts that the Legion would consider the later closing if everyone else were to stay open until 2 a.m., Dobson said he is sort of thinking that way. But even with that, the VFW board still might not consider it, he added. Princeton Golf Club manager Kelly Maeger said the club is not interested in staying open any longer than just accommodating people who are golfing. Being open until 2 a.m. is asking for more problems. Another place checked was Pizza Hut, which has a license to sell 3.2 beer. Manager Kasy Shimek said the business is not interested in staying open later than it is, which is only 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 p.m. during the week. Princeton Union-Eagle |