KENNEWICK, Wash. -- Currently in Washington state, last call for alcohol in bars and nightclubs is 2:00 A.M.
Public meetings are being held across the state including in the Tri-Cities.
Seattle's mayor and city council proposed extended hours to the liquor control board.
The board listened to people who attended this afternoons meeting to get their thoughts on whether longer drinking times are a good thing. Some people like the thought.
"We had longer business hours which was I think was good for the economy. And also people were able to go home at different hours," explains bartender Chris Dauenhauer.
One concern expressed by some people including Dauenhauer is public safety which they feel would be improved by longer drinking times. Kennewick Police Chief Ken Hohenberg isn't convinced based on evidence he's heard of, "I heard in some states that have 24 hour service, or extended hours of service, that they've seen no difference in the amount of criminal activity."
Local leaders from the three cities say more review is needed if the board approves Seattle's proposal.
The board is expected to accept or reject the proposal by May.
