TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — Bargoers could soon be getting an extra hour to drink in Treasure Island.
The Treasure Island City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance Tuesday that would allow alcohol sales until 3 a.m.
People ages 21 and older can already drink until 3 a.m. almost everywhere else in Pinellas County. Treasure Island was one of the only exceptions.
Treasure Island bars currently have to close no later than 2 a.m. Some believe the earlier closing time put Treasure Island businesses at a disadvantage. They say giving bars the option to stay open an hour later makes sense for many different reasons.
“It gives them another hour of income for work he gives the bar owners another hour of income,” said Missy Hahn, President of the Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce. “More importantly it stops people from getting in their cars at 2 a.m., driving to another bar that’s open later. So we keep them stationary.”
Even some of the hotels felt guests were choosing to stay at other beaches where people can drink later. No one from the public spoke up in opposition at Tuesday evening’s meeting. Even local law enforcement reported no discernable increase in crime in other communities that have the later cutoff time.
The city will make a final vote on extending alcohol sales on July 16.
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