Seattle awaits state’s vote to extend bar hours

Following objections from other cities, Seattle will have to wait a month to know if its efforts to extend bar hours beyond 2 a.m. can go forward.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and other city officials have wanted to make last call later, arguing that law enforcement is burdened by a mass of drunks tumbling out of night clubs and bars in places like Pioneer Square and Belltown.

After Seattle presented its proposal, Washington state Liquor Control Board commissioners agreed to have four hearings in Vancouver, Kennewick, Spokane and Seattle to discuss the idea. Under current state law, bars can’t sell alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

“The input we have is mixed,” liquor board spokesman Brian Smith said. “We heard from law enforcement in Spokane, they did not support the proposal. The police chief spoke on behalf of the city itself.”

Smith added that Vancouver officials expressed concern about neighboring cities seeking similar exceptions and people View full post on “drunk” News