Last week the Kenner City Council voted against having Kenner bars close between 2 and 6 a.m. The argument for regulating hours of local bars originally came from Police Chief Steve Caraway, who cited public safety concerns from an increase in alcohol related incidents and crimes at bars. The Council, however, disagreed with the police chief, doubting that closing the bars for 4 hours would effectively curb crime. The Council further stated that punishing all bars and establishments for problems with a small few did not make much sense. I applaud the Police Chief for trying to protect the citizens of his parish. However, like the Kenner City Council, I am not convinced that this measure would have been effective in stopping crime. Further, I believe this measure may had an unintended consequence of putting more alcohol-influenced drivers on the streets during a time of higher traffic. By closing at 2 a.m., many patrons (especially ones who still believe themselves to be sober) may attempt to drink up quickly at a “last call” or may get behind the wheel and travel to another area where the bars are still open rather than taking a cab or going home to bed. What the community does not need is more people who have been drinking to be encouraged to get back into a car and travel to venue. While I certainly do not condone this type of behavior, should you or someone you know get behind the wheel after a night at the bar and get arrested or charged with a DUI/DWI, Bloom Legal is here to provide assistance to you in getting all of your affairs back in order.
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