New bill proposes extending bar hours to 3 a.m.

It’s not very often that the Philadelphia City Council makes its way into barroom chatter, but with the passing of a new bill, patrons may be toasting to more than just good company.

The bill, which would allow Philadelphia bars to remain open until 3 a.m., is being introduced by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. The bill would extend the current closing time by an hour.

Brown, who was recently elected the new Majority Whip on Jan. 2, plans to use the bill as a means of raising money through liquor tax revenue to give to the School District of Philadelphia.

The new bill is expected to raise $5 million for the school district, in addition to the $42 million collected in liquor taxes during 2010.

“Education is the single biggest indicator of success for children and youth and the greatest deterrent from crime,” she said in a statement. “In this day and age of budget shortfalls and declining education funding, we must think of creative solutions, thinking outside the box and exhaust unconventional avenues of revenue.”

Currently, only the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has the power to change business hours for city bars. In order for the city to have that authority, Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hopes to introduce the bill to the state House of Representatives. For the bill to receive approval, it must pass the State General Assembly in Harrisburg, the state’s capital.

Penn students are enthusiastic about the prospects the bill would bring.

“I am excited that bars would stay open until three,” Wharton senior Triston Francis said. “Students appreciate having the extra hour as an option.”

College senior Thadeus Dowad agreed. “I think it’s a fantastic idea. I think while there are plenty of places to go out, the bars here close earlier compared to other major cities. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be nice.”

If the bill passes, Philadelphia will join the ranks of other late-night drinking cities such as Miami, Washington D.C. and New York City.

However, opponents of the bill believe the later closing time would contribute to a higher number of incidents where people are driving under the influence..

“That’s another hour that people are sitting there drinking and potentially then having more alcohol in their systems,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic Manager of Public and Government Affairs Jenny Robinson in an interview with NBC 10 Philadelphia.

However, the idea of using liquor taxes to support public school education seemed obvious to some students.

“It’s a complete win-win situation. I don’t know why it wasn’t put forward sooner,” Dowad said.

“The Philadelphia school system needs money. I’m definitely a fan of the idea,” Francis added.

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