Press Release: Rep. Ogan Proposes Uniform Bar Closing Times - Bill Would Shut Down Alaska Taverns from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

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Session:
State Capitol, Room 108
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-3878
Fax: (907) 465-3265

Interim:
600 E. Railroad Ave., Suite 1
Wasilla, AK 99654
Phone: (907) 376-4866
Fax: (907) 373-4724

For Immediate Release:	January 19, 2001
Contact:	Representative Scott Ogan at (907) 465-3878

JUNEAU -- Rep. Scot Ogan (R-Palmer) today introduced House Bill 80, which would create a statewide standard requiring all bars to close from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Current state law allows each local community to set its own bar operating hours, a situation which allows bar patrons in one jurisdiction to drink until closing time, then drive to a neighboring town to take advantage of its even-later bar hours.

"All this does is put people on the road after several more hours of drinking," Ogan said. "Not only that, but after the final last call comes, these late-night partiers end up sharing the road with the morning rush hour and commuter traffic, especially on the Glenn Highway between the Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage. It's a recipe for disaster."

Ogan said many local governments in organized areas of the state have already used their authority to set a 2 a.m. closing time as a matter of public safety.

"I've ridden with police at night, and it's amazing to see how speeding, drunken driving and accident rates shoot up from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.," Ogan said. "There's also a big spike in the number of assaults and domestic violence. By making sure all bars are closed just a few hours earlier, we can save a lot of people from that kind of heartache."

Ogan said he looks forward to hearings on HB 80, which has been referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee and the Finance Committee.

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Attachments:

Sponsor Statement for HB 80

Broadcasters Note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line:
1-800-478-6540 or below.

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