Proposed Liquor Serving Hour Cuts Push Forward in Saratoga County

Introduction to the Proposal

A public hearing was held on Wednesday over drinking hours in Saratoga County. The Law and Finance Committee approved the "Last Call" legislation to be moved forward to a full vote later this month.

Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll says police use-of-force incidents in bar-filled areas of Caroline Street — nicknamed "The Gut" — are frequent.

Rationale Behind the Proposal

“55% of those use of force incidents happen after 2 AM” said Coll. “When that happens on occasion or police officers subject themselves to injury and then our off duty which increases our overtime expenses” Coll continued. The proposal would have last call at 3AM from May to October, 2 AM from November to April and would remain 4am on New Years Eve.

Community Reaction

It’s welcome news for decades-long resident Lisa Whitman. Drunken bar customers have kept her awake after hours. “People talking really loudly it’s as if when they’re overserved they go deaf” said Whitman. “At 3 o’clock in the morning I have an hour left to sleep shut up, leave me alone” she added.

Concerns from Business Owners

Not everyone is in the spirit about not serving spirits earlier. One of the hottest spots for nightlife in Saratoga Springs is the Night Owl. It’s owner Alex Straus says he’s not personally concerned about last call because his business closes at 2 AM. He’s concerned that this could be detrimental to tourism in Saratoga as a whole. “2 AM across the board would be absolutely a detriment. Having the same closing time as all of New England we lose that sparkle, being a town to come and party at to feel like you can stay out later than you do where you live” said Straus.

Next Steps

The full vote on this proposal is scheduled for April 15. If approved, the proposed last call resolution would be forwarded to the state liquor authority. It would become effective on New Year’s Day.

Conclusion

The proposed liquor serving hour cuts in Saratoga County aim to reduce police use-of-force incidents and address concerns from residents about noise and public safety. While some residents welcome the change, business owners are concerned about the potential impact on tourism. The outcome of the full vote will determine the future of nightlife in Saratoga County.

FAQs

• Q: What are the proposed last call hours in Saratoga County?
  • A: The proposed last call hours are 3AM from May to October, 2 AM from November to April, and 4am on New Years Eve.
• Q: Why are the proposed hour cuts being considered?
  • A: The proposed hour cuts are being considered to reduce police use-of-force incidents and address concerns from residents about noise and public safety.
• Q: When is the full vote on the proposal scheduled?
  • A: The full vote on the proposal is scheduled for April 15.
• Q: What happens if the proposal is approved?
  • A: If approved, the proposed last call resolution would be forwarded to the state liquor authority and would become effective on New Year’s Day.