The council voted last night to let bars stay open an extra hour until 3 a.m., with no alcohol served after 2 a.m. to allow patrons time to sober up. The city is also expanding the number of sidewalk vendors who sell hot dogs and flowers, and will create a position in the City Manager's Office to oversee downtown issues.
The most controversial decision allows restaurants, and nightclubs with sidewalk cafes, to stay open until 2 a.m. Council members approved the later hours over the objections of Mayor Chuck Reed and the police chief, who said it would strain police resources.
