The possibility of extending bar hours has been posed for discussion at next month's Champaign Liquor Advisory Commission meeting, when officials will begin the long process of deciding how long students can drink at bars. Although the issue has not been discussed at length by any city board, many on Champaign's Liquor Advisory Commission and City Council have considered extending hours, which currently end at 1 a.m at campus bars. City Council members, who will make the final decision, have mixed feelings about an extension.
Closing time occurs at the height of bar activity, when bars are at maximum capacity.
It's just not necessary. Ennen added that she wanted to hear what new Champaign Police Chief William Becker, who is starting Oct. 4, has to say about an extension. Apartments have bedrooms and areas that are private that could pose problems. The commission will eventually send a recommendation to the council. To extend bar hours, an ordinance must be presented to the nine-member council, and the issue will be put on the council's agenda for a study session.