CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Officials in Clayton County are looking at extending the hours that bars and restaurants can serve liquor, and they have an interesting supporter - the police chief.
“Now I know you’re looking at me going why is the chief of police bringing something related to the alcohol ordinance before the board," Clayton County Police Chief Kevin Roberts said.
At a commissioner meeting Tuesday, Roberts came before the board asking them to extend last call by one hour from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m., stating economic reasons.
“Many of the owners and managers cited the fact that they were required to close at 2 a.m. whereas in our neighboring counties, they were one or two hours longer in an effort to make money," Roberts said.
But with his endorsement comes some pushback. One commission said he won't support the move.
"I’ve heard the case for positive economic development for these establishments which I think is very minimal," Clayton County Commissioner DeMont Davis said." The risk to their employees and the Clayton County citizens far outweighs any monetary gain.”
Davis said extending the liquor service hours would lead to more crime—not more money. He added that it could cause an increase "in late-night DUI incidents and accidents that could potentially lead to death," leading to more calls to the police department.
A vote is expected this upcoming Tuesday, February 20, at a board meeting.
Davis said he plans to ask his colleagues to say no, but for Roberts, his mind is made up, and he will keep pushing for the hour extension.
“I respectfully ask the board to consider the adjustments we’re proposing, which would essentially push that consumption to the 3 a.m. hour," Roberts said.