Round-the-Clock Inauguration Partying?
Wednesday December 3, 2008
The DC Council has approved an emergency legislation for the 2009 Inauguration providing that any Washington, DC establishment with a liquor license be allowed to serve alcohol until 5 a.m. (three hours later than usual) from January 17 until January 20. I know that a lot of people are excited about the Inauguration of Barack Obama and want to participate, but this seems like a policy that is just asking for trouble. People who are out partying until 5 in the morning will probably be getting drunk and there are likely to be public safety concerns. On the other hand, it is an historic occasion and what better place to celebrate?
What do you think? Revised December 17 - The DC Council has voted to move the closing time to 4 a.m. I'm not sure what difference that will make but give the police an hour to sleep or drink coffee??
What do you think? Revised December 17 - The DC Council has voted to move the closing time to 4 a.m. I'm not sure what difference that will make but give the police an hour to sleep or drink coffee??
Comments
You know, when even some Council members worry aloud that this legislation looks too much like a blatant money grab, you have to stop and think.
There’s a balance between ensuring public safety and increasing revenue, even on historic occasions. I hope the DC Council takes a second look at this legislation before the Inauguration.
I, for one, plan to stay far away from the District during Inauguration Week. The thought of dealing with intoxicated visitors isn’t very appealing.
It’s silly to think that extending the hours that establishments can serve translates into an all-out drinking and driving binge. Simply offering the option to serve that late doesn’t mean that anyone drinks any more than they would if establishments closed 2 hours earlier. If someone is going to drink to much, or God forbid drive after drinking, they are going to do it whether the service stops at 1, 2, 3 or 5 o’clock.
I plan on making the most of the historic occassion which may include some cocktails. I will not drive drunk. I think most people that are celebrating will be equally responsible.
Justin, you are correct – bar hours alone don’t dictate behavior. People will do what they will do. Unfortunately, I’ve had friends come into the District for a weekend away and they’ve been harassed by locals who were (hopefully, otherwise there is absolutely no excused) intoxicated. I would hate to have the eyes of the world on DC – we know that will be the case! – and have people behave badly.
I truly believe the District will put on its greatest show ever for this Inauguration. I hope locals and visitors alike will follow your lead, Justin, and celebrate both enthusiastically and responsibly.
Extending bar hours for these types of holidays or occasions to celebrate is an excellent plan because partiers peter out and leave the bars of their own accord, as opposed to everyone being tossed out at the exact same time. In numerous occasions, a mass exodus of drunk people onto the streets results in a far worse problem for police.