St. Paul plan allows later nightcaps, not just downtown

A proposal would extend bar hours during the Republican National Convention.

By ANTHONY LONETREE, Star Tribune

Last update: June 4, 2008 - 11:05 PM

St. Paul has rolled out a proposal for extended bar hours during the Republican National Convention that ensures it's not just downtown that gets in on early morning action.

Open, as well, could be select neighborhood nightspots "that reflect the best that St. Paul has to offer," said Kris Fredson, deputy chief of staff to Mayor Chris Coleman.

Minneapolis, which has yet to unveil its after-hours plans, is weighing extended hours downtown but probably would limit extensions elsewhere to hotels only, said City Council President Barb Johnson.

The Legislature gave metro-area cities the authority to allow bars to remain open until 4 a.m. during the convention, action that came after the St. Paul City Council voted 4-3 against an earlier proposal.

The city's current plan, presented to council members Wednesday, gives liquor-license holders operating downtown and in commercial development districts the opportunity to remain open until 4 a.m., provided they pay a $2,500 fee.

In addition, bars outside those areas with more than 291 seats also can offer after-hours libations -- a list of 13 establishments that includes O'Gara's Bar and Grill, 164 Snelling Av. N., and Mancini's Char House, 531 7th St. W.

And the number of seats at Mancini's, a West End area landmark for politicos through the ages? "291+" according to a list provided by the city.

Fredson, asked how the city came up with the 291-seat figure, said officials had to find a way to limit the number of neighborhood establishments that could be open.

A public hearing on the issue will be held June 18.

In other action, the council passed three other hospitality-related ordinances, one relaxing rules for serving outside and two others strengthening 2 a.m. bar close regulations.

Staff writers Steve Brandt and Chris Havens contributed to this report. Anthony Lonetree • 651-298-1545

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