Few bars applying for permits to stay open later during convention

Updated: July 25, 2008 - 9:27 PM

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After an opportunity for Minneapolis bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during the Republican National Convention failed to attract many applications, the City Council voted Friday to cut the fee for bars and restaurants hosting private parties.

Staying open to the public until 4 a.m. will still cost $2,500. But bars and restaurants hosting private events can extend their hours until 4 a.m. for $100.

Only four bars and restaurants in Minneapolis had applied for the extended license with the $2,500 fee.

In St. Paul, none of the 32 bars eligible to stay open until 2 a.m., also at a $2,500 fee, has applied yet.

In Bloomington, restaurants and bars regularly open until 2 a.m. can extend their hours until 4 a.m. during the convention without a fee. Only two restaurants have applied so far, but city officials say they expect as many as 20 to apply before the deadline.

LIBBY NELSON