The proposal for a 1 a.m. closing hour at Springfield bars follows a 1 a.m. entertainment curfew, in which bars shut off the music and television sets at that hour unless they have a waiver.
SPRINGFIELD — The License Commission will listen to testimony from the public and from city officials on Wednesday regarding if there should be a 1 a.m. closing hour for bars in Springfield.
The public hearing Wednesday is at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall, and is expected to include direct testimony from Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Police Department representatives, bar owners and employees and residents.
Domenic Sarno
Sarno, who already has a 1 a.m. curfew on bar music and other entertainment in Springfield, unless they have waivers, has asked the commission to consider shutting down bars at that hour. Currently, bars can stay open until 2 a.m.
“We are looking for information from proponents and opponents on the mayor’s suggestions,” Commission Chairman Peter L. Sygnator said Friday. “Then, we will weigh everyone’s input and make a decision.”
Sygnator, however, said he expects the information will be taken under advisement with no decision that night. Under state law, the commission controls the closing hours of bars, clubs and restaurants.
Sarno said statistics have shown that the 1 a.m. curfew, imposed last year, is working to reduce late night crime. He wants the commission to consider the 1 a.m. closing hour to expand on that success.
“This is all about public safety,” Sarno said. “I want people to come into Springfield and have a good time. I want to make sure they are safe. I want to make sure our police officers are safe.”
Bar owners, employees and patrons have been critical of the mayor, saying his actions are hurting business, and that he is punishing all the businesses rather than just those that have trouble.
In addition, opponents say there is far less nighttime business and activity in the downtown as a result of the curfew and patrons going elsewhere, a factor in lower crime statistics.
Sarno said that when trouble and melees occur, it takes away from police coverage in the surrounding areas of the city, calling it “unfair to residents.”
Sarno said his administration and the License Commission do deal directly with bars that attract trouble, with heavy sanctions.
Sarno said he expects that the Police Department will testify and provide statistics on crime, and that Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy will discuss economic issues.