Lawmaker proposes keeping some Pa. bars open until 4 a.m.

Pocono Record ^ | April 16, 2015 | N/A

[RBW in PA]

A state lawmaker from Philadelphia says he will propose legislation allowing some bars to stay open until 4 a.m., arguing in part the measure would be one way to keep college students in Pennsylvania after they graduate. "This legislation would create a more attractive Pennsylvania and further a goal of appealing to young professionals and millennials who can greatly improve our local economies," State Rep. Jordan Harris, a Democrat, said in a statement Monday.

"Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and cities in between are world-class cities of higher education and we need to create an environment where the nightlife encourages young people who become educated here to stay in our Commonwealth to live, work and play," he said. "While I understand nightlife isn't the only concern for those making a decision on whether to stay in cities across Pennsylvania or move, I do know that it is a concern, one that we can fix, enhance and as a city, benefit from," said Harris, whose district covers parts of South Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia. The bill would require a business to pay an additional 10 percent of its yearly license fee to close two hours later than the current 2 a.m. standard with the surcharge being split between the state and the municipality. The measure is not intended for neighborhood bars but is aimed at "designated entertainment zones away from residential neighborhoods ..."

Harrisburg observers say the bill's chances are at best slim in the legislature.

[RBW in PA]

This guy is another genius...

[Leaning Right]

This legislation would create a more attractive Pennsylvania...

Right. Crime, high taxes, lack of opportunity, poor schools, and snow are all no big deals. But being able to get a drink at 3 AM is.

My bet is that this Rep. Harris is on somebody's payroll, probably a bar owner's association.

[WinMod70]

Should make for a spectacular morning commute to work navigating through the maze of drunks.

[petercooper]

How about repealing the asinine liquor laws.

[Busko]

All about money, if the bars want to stay open why would they need a new license? Typical politician. Anyway, I think Philly needs to have a reality check!

[albie]

Speaking of “asinine” laws, I remember when I lived in Harrisburg you couldn’t buy a 6 pack of beer. You could only buy beer by the case. Is that still law?

[WayneS]

Singlehandedly?

[Safetgiver]

You ca buy six packs in a bar (up to two six’s per trip into the bar). You can only buy a case at a distributor. Just this year they have made 12 packs available at distributors.

[trebb]

Can’t argue with stupid - try to attract and keep those who would make the decision to stay based on how late the bars stay open...

[petercooper]

I think you can buy a 6pack in a bar to go. At a distributer, I think you have to buy a case.

[W.]

What, no beer in carry-outs, etc? Hell, our Big Lots started selling beer/wine last year. Never mind paying bar prices for taking home to drink, up until recently, one bar downtown sold six-packs for six bucks, except for the fancy import stuff...

[Buckeye McFrog]

The online poll for a Pittsburgh TV station has 71% opposing. I think most people in their gut feel that this is a BAD idea.

[Buckeye McFrog]

They just changed the law a couple of weeks ago to where distributors are now allowed to sell 12 packs. THAT is considered “reform” here in the Keystone State.

[freefdny]

Hey, Mister Bartender
Please don’t be so slow
I got time for one more round
And a six pack to go

Tomorrow mornin’s Sunday
I’m gonna be feelin’ low
So please, please, bartender
I wanna six pack to go

I’ve been drinkin’ all day long
Takin’ in the town
I’ve done spent my whole paycheck
Justa honky tonkin’ ‘round

I don’t have enough to pay my rent
I ain’t gonna worry though
I’ve got time for one more round
And a six pack to go

[Safetgiver]

LOL, no such things as carry-outs here. It’s either a bar (not a club like the Vets, AL, Moose Eagles, etc) or a distributor. HOWEVER, they are just beginning to sell beer at a very,very few grocery stores.

[W.]

Wow, that's 180° from here, you'd have a shorter list of places that DON'T sell beer. For a while here you could buy only low beer [3.2%] on Sunday, but that changed sometime in the 80's.

JK, pic's from Germany...

[Svartalfiar]

Why are the bars required to close at 0200 anyway? Why is the government allowed to say when you can or cannot run your business?

They’ve been discriminating against those second-shift workers who get off at 02! Why can’t they grab a drink after work?

[SoothingDave]

Well, technically, the law was never changed. The LCB just ruled that it had been legal for distributors to sell 12 packs all along. It’s just that no one had ever asked them for an opinion on it before and everyone assumed it was illegal.

Quite stunning, actually.

[Buckeye McFrog]

ahhh....so Tom Wolf has been studying Obama’s playbook, eh?

[3catsanadog]

Oh yes. When I am considering moving somewhere else, how late the bars stay open is the deal breaker. I’m 64 and I still enjoy being up and about in the city at 4 am.