Yellowknife (Dec 10/03) - The liquor licensing board is mulling over a motion that would let bars stay open until 2:30 a.m., a measure it hopes will reduce congestion and drunkenness in the downtown core.

"There is clearly a public concern with rowdiness," said board chair John Simpson.

"Much of that is related to having everyone on the street at the same time."

The proposed legislation, which would affect all licensed establishments in the NWT, will fix last call at 1:30 a.m. and let bars stay open until 2:30 a.m.

The hour between last call and closing would allow bar patrons to filter out onto the street gradually instead of all at once, said Simpson.

It would also make it easier for patrons to get taxis, which are in short supply at closing time said Simpson.

The motion was greeted with mixed reviews by bar owners, many of whom were hoping the hours would be extended to 3 a.m. to help make up for revenue lost to the smoking ban.

"From a revenue standpoint this does nothing for us," said Gordon Wray, part owner of the Black Knight Pub.

Wray was hoping the board would allow bars to continue serving alcohol until 2 a.m. as opposed to the proposed cutoff of 1:30 a.m.

"All it does is give us an extra hour to get people out the door."

Wray conceded the extra hour would help cut down on congestion in the downtown area, but he hoped the government would also take into account the financial needs of the hospitality industry.

The board's motion was a result of extensive consultation throughout the NWT, but Simpson is resigned to the fact that not everyone will be happy with final result.

Attempt at compromise

"It's an attempt to have a compromise," he said.

"Some people wanted bars to close earlier, while others wanted them to close later. We are trying to find some kind of middle ground."

The liquor board will continue to discuss the issue with members of the business community and the public, said Simpson.

A final decision on the motion isn't expected until the spring.