2AM Closing Time Not Necessarily Embraced by Small Towns
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Updated: 8:28 AM Jul 29, 2010
2AM Closing Time Not Necessarily Embraced by Small Towns
As more communities across the state change last call to 2AM, others are trying to decide what is best for their population. For some, it is becoming an issue of whether or not people have spoken.
Posted: 6:38 PM Jul 28, 2010
Reporter: Alicia Myers
Email Address: alicia.myers@1011now.com
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As more communities across the state change last call to 2AM, others are trying to decide what is best for their population.

For some, it is becoming an issue of whether or not people have spoken.

For 15 years, Rick Elofson has spent day and night making sure his customers at Little Ricky's in North Bend are satisfied.

That is why he approached the town's city council months ago, asking for the okay to extend his hours until 2AM.

"Since it's been like that, we've had four nights where we stayed open until 2, and they weren't weekends, they were weeknights," said Elofson.

But, Elofson said he understands, in a town of about 1,200, the need will not always be there.

"It's going to be nights like our hometown celebration and New Years Eve and Thanksgiving Eve. That kind of stuff. The rest of the time, if it happens, it happens," said Elofson.

About 30 miles south of North Bend, staying open an extra hour will not happen anytime soon.

By a vote of 5 to 1, the council of Wahoo, a town about three times the size of North Bend, turned down the extension, leaving bar owners like Doug Reeves to question the decision.

"That extra hour will sometimes entice people to come out later than they usually would," said Reeves. "I think they were not informed enough about what the general public wants. Instead, they voted on what they wanted, and I don't think that's right."

Jerry Johnson, Mayor of Wahoo, said the decision was made because no one was interested.

"There was no public representation from the bar owners, the 2 bar owners. Nobody came to the council meeting other than the normal people who are there, so there was not a lot of duscussion," said Johnson.

Reeves said even if towns small than Wahoo continue to change, he is not worried about his usual business.

"If it goes to 2:00, it goes to 2:00. It's not going to hurt us whatsoever," said Reeves.

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Latest Comments

Posted by: Cizzle on Nov 29, 2010 at 05:27 PM

Anonymous - wow your argument makes zero sense. You're telling me if I live in Lincoln, and I'm too intoxicated to be served at a bar here, I wouldn't try any number of others that are located here instead of driving for miles and going to small town bar? Geez, something tells me you don't drink often. Not to mention, you are probably in bed by 8 o'clock. What gives you the right to tell me when I can and can't participate in a LEGAL activity? What if I work until 1 am, but would like to go out and have a drink after I get off? Again, I know you are probably in bed by a much earlier time - but not every person is irresponsible. Hard to believe that one measely hour is going to make our towns be that much more miserable to live in.
Posted by: Mary on Oct 28, 2010 at 11:25 AM

So tell me John - when did they pass the law you could drink and drive?? Glad I'm not on the road at that time of night!!
Posted by: john Location: lincoln on Oct 17, 2010 at 11:36 AM

i just wish they would keep the off sale open to two as well so i can get a six pack to go for my drive back to lincoln, its a boring drive and its nice to be able to throw a couple of drinks down on my way home
Posted by: Evan on Oct 4, 2010 at 05:01 PM

Charlie, What is the point of your comment other then blatant racism?
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Lincoln on Sep 7, 2010 at 05:58 PM

Why should it be embraced by small towns all they will get is the big cities drunks who they cannot serve any way due to over intoxication. Now tell me how they will benefit that one more drinking hour.
Posted by: Charlie Location: Lincoln on Jul 30, 2010 at 10:35 AM

To Jose Sanchez July 28: This is NOT a "FREE" country! Oh wait unless you are an illegal imnigrant then everything is FREE!
Posted by: Jose Sanchez Location: Fremont on Jul 28, 2010 at 08:23 PM

Nobody is obligated to stay out until 2:00 AM. It is a free country.