Keeping bars open longer for the RNC
From:
John Krenik
Date:
Apr 04 02:10 UTC
Short link
Update:
As reported In the Pioneer Press, “Rep. Joe Atkins, an Inver Grove Heights
DFLer who sponsored the move to kill the later closing time, said he didn't
mind allowing bars to stay open late during the convention — "I want those
folks to consume as much alcohol as possible," he said. But he wanted the
change to move through his committee so that it could receive a full vetting.
His committee will hold a hearing on the late closure next week.”
The proposed measure would allow bars within 10 miles of the RNC convention to
stay open. It now goes to Rep. Atkins committee.
Some of the posts in the Pioneer Press about this subject are interesting. You
can read them by clicking on this link:
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/twincities-pioneer-press/T0118ADJ5DHD9JAOA
To Mike Schoenberg,
You said, “John, Why are you interested in causing the City of St. Paul
taxpayers to incur an estimated $500,000 in extra overtime police costs?”
Mike, FYI, I spent over two hours today looking to your post alone. What model
did you use to come up with police expenses will cost $500,000.00 in extra
overtime if the bars were to be left open an extra two hours. I have some
people at the police department who would like to know where you came up with
that figure. What facts do you base your figure of $500,000.00. Did you just
pluck a number out of the air?
Secondly, this is another reason to hire permanent police officers and staff
our police department at 1.1 police officers per 1,000 residents like our
neighboring cities. Yes, even Minneapolis has a slightly more police officers
than the 1.1 per 1,000 ratio.
To Anne Carroll,
FYI - This post was revised many times and somethings are just left for another
day.
We both agree that St. Paul is OUR town and it seems we are proud of all it has
to offer.
You feel that keeping bars open an extra two hours is a ridiculous notion!
Just to remind you this was not MY idea, but it came from the legislature.
Even our mayor Chris Coleman supports this. Three city council members voted
for this (Kathy Lantry, Dan Bostrom and Pat Harris).
In the city where NOTHING is allowed, I say let the bars stay open longer. Let
the bars make some extra money during the convention.
To Chuck,
You said, “You are correct that the bars would make a few more bucks that week
by having a 2 AM happy hour.”
I AGREE!!!!!!!
You go on to added police costs. I disagree, security will be in place and
some of the added costs are already covered by police security already in
place. I am waiting for Mike Schoenberg’s information where he stated that
this added police would be $500,000.00 if the bars stayed open until 4:00 AM.
Some very highly placed individuals in the city would also like to know where
Mike Schoenberg arrived at this figure.
Chuck you said, “Look if bars can't make money without having to cater to
someone that still hasn't reached their fill at 3 AM their in the wrong
business.”
That is the point Chuck, these bars were making a profit before the no smoking
ban took effect. I do not want to rehash the no smoking ban, but when will the
city stop banning things for our own good. It seems that all of the city
council members who voted in favor of the no smoking are in favor of abortion.
Go figure, the abortion procedure kills the most defenseless in our society and
these council members do not allow us to smoke in a bar. If our city council
really felt they are out there to protect us, why would ban abortion.
Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
John Krenik