Should Erie County's bars be open until 4 a.m. or 2 a.m.? The two sides of that issue squared off Tuesday night during a County Legislature public hearing, debating for almost three hours.
The Legislature is slated to vote tomorrow on asking Albany to approve the change to an earlier time.
"From a law enforcement standpoint, very few good things happen after 1 or 2 in the morning," said Orchard Park Police Chief Mark Pacholec.
"We see a rise in impairment, whether by alcohol or drugs. We see a higher level of intoxication in our DWIs."
Opponents say the shift will cost jobs and might force the closing of some bars.
Legislators recently approved adding Sunday morning drinking hours, nicknamed the "Mimosa Law."
