Baton Rouge Councilman: Permit To ‘Level Playing Field’ In Extended Bar Hours Proposal

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A Baton Rouge councilman says the only reason he sponsored a proposal to extend bar hours to 4 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays is to create permit fees necessary to fund additional enforcement personnel in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Office.

Ulysses Addison tells The Advocate the ABC board has expressed concern about loss of manpower to enforce alcohol rules in bars and stores.

Under the proposal, which will be heard Wednesday by the East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council, bars can purchase a permit for $40,000 to stay open two hours later on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Addison says even if only one or two establishments purchase the permit, it would generate enough revenue for the ABC office to hire additional personnel.