Rep. Jordan Harris introduces invoice that extends the final name from 2 a.m. to four a.m. – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Bars and restaurants in Pennsylvania have had quite a hit during the pandemic.

A state lawmaker believes they have a good solution to help them recover faster. As the money editor Jon Delano reports, it’s all about how long they serve alcoholic beverages.

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Under state law, most Pennsylvania bars and restaurants close their faucets or cork bottles at 2 a.m. But Pennsylvania representative Jordan Harris says it is time to extend this to 4 a.m.

“We’re getting out of this pandemic. The hotel industry was devastated because it had to shut down to protect us all, ”said Harris, a Philadelphia Democrat. “Now is the time to help them.”

Harris will introduce a bill so local authorities can decide for themselves whether a last call at 4 a.m. makes sense.

“I’m not saying we should keep all bars and restaurants open until 4am. I’m not saying that,” said Rep. Harris. “I say if a local government, a local mayor, and a city council decide to allow this in their jurisdiction, they should be able to,” says Harris.

“Anything that helps a restaurant or bar, we are sure,” said John Longstreet, president of the CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association.

“I admit that this bill was not on our radar screen as we were looking for ways to reopen restaurants on a reasonable scale,” added Longstreet.

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The state restaurant association likes the idea, but says its focus is on getting local facilities up and running.

And not everyone prefers drinking later hours. In some states, law enforcement officials are against this extension because someone dies every 52 minutes in an accident involving a drunk driver.

But Harris says extended hours promote safer drinking.

“You also cease to drink because there is no longer any pressure to have your drinks at 2 a.m.,” said Harris.

The Philadelphia Democrat says it makes sense to allow 4 a.m. to close in urban centers near hotels, convention centers, stadiums, and stadiums.

“Let’s create entertainment zones in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and Lancaster and Harrisburg, where the industry can thrive,” said Rep. Harris.

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A number of states are investigating extended hours. New York already has one last call at 4 a.m. in some places, and of course Las Vegas allows drinks to be sold around the clock.