Calgary police have invited local bar owners to attend a discussion this Thursday about the possibility of extending closing hours at licensed premises around the city.
However, not everyone is on board with the proposal.
Cyre Bilawchuk, the senior assistant at Moxie’s Classic Grill on 17th Avenue SW, said the proposal has definitely stirred up some criticism amongst the restaurant’s employees.
“A few of my servers that I was talking to about it said they would definitely get out of the service industry altogether if this was enforced,” Bilawchuk said, adding she doesn’t think the proposal will do a great deal to curb unruly behaviour.
Rich Becker, the nighttime and brunch manager at nearby 1410 World Bier Haus, agreed, saying the proposal would increase overhead costs.
“Really, all it would be doing is cutting into our profitability, taking money out of everyone’s pockets,” he said.
Police Staff Sgt. Quinn Jacques said the proposal would simply increase local establishments’ accountability to the surrounding community.
“Really, the bars sell alcohol, then they kind of slap their hands, lock the door and leave it for us to deal with,” Jacques said.
Ald. Druh Farrell said the proposal would help reduce safety risks involved with people crowding outside of establishments.
“There is a recognition that certain bars create very significant problems with emergency services and at great cost to Calgarians,” she said.
