City Eyes Earlier Closing Time

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Citing public safety concerns occurring during the early morning hours, the City Council on Aug. 3 adopted a resolution it hopes will ultimately result in the 2 a.m. “closing time” of bars. State law currently allows establishments to remain open until 4 a.m. 

“Through the analytics and arrests and what we’re hearing through the police department, the hours between 2 and 4 a.m. are unquestioningly posing a public safety threat to the community-at-large due to the volume and intensity of the people coming to enjoy our nightlife,” said Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton, regarding the measure that asks the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors to enact a resolution for submittal to the State Liquor Authority. 

The SLA has the power, upon receipt of a resolution by the county board of supervisors, to restrict current hours for sales of the on-premises of consumption alcoholic beverages, according to the resolution. 

“We cannot let this public safety threat go on. I am personally worried about the safety of my police officers every night when they go out, especially between those hours and the safety of the people coming to enjoy our nightlife,” Commissioner Dalton told the council, as city Mayor Meg Kelly held up what she said was a stack of 52 fake ID cards that were presented to one bar in one night. 

The council approved the resolution, which will now go to the county Board of Supervisors, which next meets on Aug. 17.  Regarding any changes that may be implemented in the future, Dalton said “I think it’s important for us to work with the businesses that might be affected to offset any financial loss, or the perception of financial loss they might have.”