The Epoch Times asked Bay Area locals what they think about a proposal to extend the time alcohol can be served in California from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.
State Senator Mark Leno recently introduced legislation that would allow communities in California to extend beverage service hours from the currently allowed 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. The law would apply to on-site alcohol-serving establishments like restaurants, nightclubs, and bars, but not to liquor stores. Leno said he hopes the initiative would boost tourism, increase tax revenue, and create jobs.
Eileen Bellamy, 35, ESL tutor, Downtown
“I like it [better the way it is]. ... Because I live around here, and I see people just do crazy things when they’re drunk, and I think extending it would really make it more, there‘d be more activity of that. And I’d prefer that they keep it the way it is, so that we wouldn’t have to see a lot of people stagger in the street or cause any problems.”
David Stutzmann, 65, technical writer, Danville
“I think that people that are drinking that late in the evening are doing it in an unhealthy way, so they’ve no doubt been drinking prior to that. So, health-wise, that’s not a good consumption product, and that leads to drinking too much and leads to other problems.”
Peps Jara, 37, watch repair, Oakland
“That’s good. It extends the hours for drinkers. It’s good for business, for the bars it’s good. If people are spending more money on alcohol it’s good for them. It’s good for the cabs, also.”
Aaron Nuqui, 20, pharmacy technician, Daly City
“I don’t really know. I don’t hardly drink. If anything, I think it‘d be bad. ’Cause, we have a lot of bums out here; we have a lot of twenty-ones out here that are just crazy, man. Ruthless out here. Too much. Not a good idea.”
Pete Ternes, 30, marketing, San Francisco
“I think that'd be great. ... A lot of people have enough energy to stay out and keep having fun and keep socializing, and I know too many people that aren’t ready to go in at 1:15 when they make the last call. This city has a ton of potential energy and doesn’t really translate into kinetic energy the way it does in certain other major American cities, where bars are open until 4 or 5 in the morning—and I think that’s probably why.”
Jay Santos, 42, doorman, East Bay
“I don’t even drink alcohol. For the businesses it is [a good idea]. For people in the surrounding areas, I’m sure they’re going to have more crime and violence.”
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