Nebraska "Last Call" debate

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 12:54 pm

There's always the petition drive plan. By my count, you would need somewhere in the neighborhood of 60,000 valid signatures (5% of registered voters - not actual voters) to get a 3 AM statute (or whatever time you wanted to make it) on the ballot.

Get some well organized circulators to hang out in Omaha and Lincoln bars and you could have that in three days. I can't imagine any Nebraska bar or restaurant would NOT be willing to allow this petition circulated on their property.

Nebraskans need to remember that in this state, the Unicameral State (look at your quarters), we ARE the third branch of government.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:19 pm

I'm down. How fast would the "Gambling with the Good Life" people be out trying to squash 3AM? :shock:

Post by **Brad** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:22 pm

the1wags wrote:I'm down. How fast would the "Gambling with the Good Life" people be out trying to squash 3AM? :shock:

Just circulate the petitions after 10 pm... Gambling with the Good Life goes to bed when the sun goes down!

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:25 pm

I meant once it was on the ballot up to a vote of the people. They'd be on any news thing they could talking about how drunk driving would skyrocket and think of the children.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:30 pm

I think those "think of the children" people would like to have the bars close later. There would be less people on the road in general.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:30 pm

the1wags wrote:I meant once it was on the ballot up to a vote of the people. They'd be on any news thing they could talking about how drunk driving would skyrocket and think of the children.

Honestly, I think it would pass 60-40 on a ballot. Keep in mind even the casino measures weren't defeated that badly, and it's not like we're asking for "Change"®. We're just asking for more of the same.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:31 pm

Well think of the children when they move away because they can't do what they want...

Bosco55David · Post by **Bosco55David** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:08 pm

This is pretty friggin sad.

omahastylee459 · Post by **omahastylee459** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:45 pm

so how do u get a petition started? is there a link to nebraska rules regarding petitioning?

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:01 pm

Here's a good primer:

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/L ... n_Nebraska

It's not an official site, so don't take it as gospel, but it gives a good overview in plain English.

If there's a handful of people on here that would be absolutely serious about doing this, I'm willing to organize an exploratory meeting.

I think the biggest obstacle would be organizing to the point where you can get 5% representation from each of 38 counties. Get that done and the rest will come from O Street and the Old Market alone.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:19 pm

How many people would you need to be serious and what does serious entail?

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:38 pm

DTO Luv wrote:How many people would you need to be serious and what does serious entail?

More than the usual gay joke and fart joke crowd (myself included), and more serious than we usually are after we get together for more than 30 minutes.

Ideally, I'd get a few people that know exactly what they're doing in this process already that would be willing to help in the industry and advise in the government/red tape side.

The beautiful thing about this is that the people most interested in the issue (younger) are the ones that are most likely to be on Facebook, YouTube, etc., which are the perfect vehicles for any type of statewide petition drive.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:50 pm

Well I'm down. Anyone else?

Post by **Brad** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:58 pm

Probably not... to close to protesting. However I will sign one.

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:05 pm

Somebody dropped the ball years ago when the laws were set to where they are now. When I was 19 and living in Colorado, we could come to Nebraska and drink real beer and hard liquor, whereas in Colorado all we could have is 3.2 beer till we were 21. If you went to Kansas, it was the same 3.2 law and what's worse is that you had to be a "club member" to even drink at a bar.
So, when the laws changed, the 1pm closing coulda shoulda been dealt with then.

On the other hand, I've closed many a bar as a club DJ and band member and would say that most joints I've been in don't honestly move you out till 1:15 to 1:30. At least that's how it is in the middle of the state.

omahastylee459 · Post by **omahastylee459** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:32 pm

On the other hand, I've closed many a bar as a club DJ and band member and would say that most joints I've been in don't honestly move you out till 1:15 to 1:30. At least that's how it is in the middle of the state.

A lot of bars I have been to have last call at 12:40 and have the lights on and are kicking people out before 1.

I'm down for helping out, there is no reason we should have to wait for the legislature to pull their heads out of their |expletive|.

joleo · Post by **joleo** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:02 pm

omahastylee459 wrote:-A majority of people will start going out later. In cities where bars are open later, people don't end up going out to the bars until 11 or 12 or later. Here it seems like there is always a rush to get ready and get out early to enjoy a few hours at the bar. I remember going out at 10 once and a friend from out of town thought we were crazy for going out so early.

This is SOOO true. I live in Des Moines and we usually make dinner reservations around 9 or 9:30 (this gives you a chance to get home from work, relax for awhile/ take nap etc). By the time we're done with Dinner and to the bar for a few drinks, it's usually around midnight, give or take. This gives us almost 2 hours to socialize and have a few beers.

I grew up in Omaha, and hate going back to go out...you're constantly racing around and it's just not as enjoyable so I just stay home instead most the time.

I can honestly say this went into my consideration on where to live and why I don't live in Omaha. "Nebraska: brain drain state" and I contributed to it.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:13 pm

Nice upgrade.

I still can live with 1 for now. It probably is saving me money. Although I barely make it to 1 sometimes because of my alcoholism but 2 o'clock will be amazing.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 7:07 pm

as i get older, i'm proud to make it past 11:30. The problem is, i start out pounding them like i was in my early 20's and i look like a champ one minute, and a big pansy the next.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:42 pm

This is an old story, but ever appropriate given the debate here. It's also a good model for what I think should happen here. I particularly think the economic benefits given the current budget shortfalls should be played up for proponents of the cause.

http://wc.arizona.edu/papers/97/134/01_1.html

MrPoloShirt · Post by **MrPoloShirt** » Tue Oct 20, 2009 7:53 pm

I'd much prefer all the drunks get out of the bars at the same time, so the cops can be there to catch them. Just flood the streets with cops at 1am.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:19 pm

I don't remember where i heard this, but for some reason i've always been under the impression that police couldn't wait outside bars to pick people up. I know that one time my friends and i were at a bar and when we got ready to leave, we noticed a police car outside and a friend of mine said he believed they couldn't do anything either. Almost like being a predator or something

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:10 pm

Like this guy?

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:11 pm

thenewguy wrote:I don't remember where i heard this, but for some reason i've always been under the impression that police couldn't wait outside bars to pick people up. I know that one time my friends and i were at a bar and when we got ready to leave, we noticed a police car outside and a friend of mine said he believed they couldn't do anything either. Almost like being a predator or something

Don't believe everything you hear. If a cop observes a violation of law he or she has every right to stop you.

OmahaChef · Post by **OmahaChef** » Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:19 pm

We received a letter from some Nebraska Bar Owners Organization, stating that someone in the legislature is going to introduce extending the closing time in the next session. They are attempting to get the bar owners to band together to encourage state lawmakers to pass the bill.

RegisResident · Post by **RegisResident** » Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:17 pm

I think if there is going to be an effort to move the closing time, it should be moved to 4am. All bars/restaurants don't have to stay open until 4, but the bar/club owner has the choice to stay open. It also gives people who are out a chance to leave over time (since not everyone will party until 4am), instead of everyone getting in a car at 1am or 2am.

I'm originally from Albany, NY where the bars/clubs are open until 4am and instead of everyone trying to leave at 1am (like they do here), people slowly leave throughout the night so that when the bars finally close, you don't have thousands of drunks getting in cars trying to find their way home. It also allows the taxis a chance to take people home (as they slowly leave), and get back to the area to pick up more people to take them home.

If we are going to fight for an hour, why not make it three and make it worth the fight?

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:39 pm

Thanks for the update Chef. Any idea who will be introducing the legislation?

4am would never pass. However, if trying for 3am is a strategy to get a 2am compromise I'd be happy with that.

S33 · Post by **S33** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:25 am

RegisResident wrote:I think if there is going to be an effort to move the closing time, it should be moved to 4am. All bars/restaurants don't have to stay open until 4, but the bar/club owner has the choice to stay open. It also gives people who are out a chance to leave over time (since not everyone will party until 4am), instead of everyone getting in a car at 1am or 2am.

I'm originally from Albany, NY where the bars/clubs are open until 4am and instead of everyone trying to leave at 1am (like they do here), people slowly leave throughout the night so that when the bars finally close, you don't have thousands of drunks getting in cars trying to find their way home. It also allows the taxis a chance to take people home (as they slowly leave), and get back to the area to pick up more people to take them home.

If we are going to fight for an hour, why not make it three and make it worth the fight?

At the beginning of your post I thought you were crazy, but that actually makes a lot of sense. I like it.

OmahaBen · Post by **OmahaBen** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 9:08 am

thenewguy wrote:I don't remember where i heard this, but for some reason i've always been under the impression that police couldn't wait outside bars to pick people up. I know that one time my friends and i were at a bar and when we got ready to leave, we noticed a police car outside and a friend of mine said he believed they couldn't do anything either. Almost like being a predator or something

Then your friend's an idiot.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 10:08 am

Sometimes you get an idea and go with it. Like the time I asked the police if I could take my martini outside of the bar as long as I put it in a paper bag. I can tell you from experience, the police are quick to dispel any myths you may have heard.

RegisResident · Post by **RegisResident** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:31 pm

nebport5 wrote:Thanks for the update Chef. Any idea who will be introducing the legislation?

4am would never pass. However, if trying for 3am is a strategy to get a 2am compromise I'd be happy with that.

Why wouldn't 4am pass? Lots of cities that are larger and smaller than Omaha do it without problems, why couldn't Omaha do it? Aside from the benefit of spreading out the drunks on the road (and giving people time to sober up before they leave), it could bring additional dollars into the city by making it a true entertainment destination.

The only place I saw some challenges with a 4am closing time was Gainesville, FL.- but I think the problem there is that the city has around 40,000 college students (Univ. of Florida) and only about 15,000 actual residents making the bar closing time basically rush hour... something that I don't think we need to worry about around here except for during the college world series, and even that would be a stretch.

OmahaBen · Post by **OmahaBen** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:35 pm

RegisResident wrote:Why wouldn't 4am pass?

Do you realize what state you're talking about? This is the same one, after all, which didn't want to allow a casino in Omaha because it was worried about the negative effects of gambling, completely ignoring the three casinos five minutes away which already provide said negative effects.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:44 pm

Bingo.

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:45 pm

OmahaBen wrote:
RegisResident wrote:Why wouldn't 4am pass?
Do you realize what state you're talking about? This is the same one, after all, which didn't want to allow a casino in Omaha because it was worried about the negative effects of gambling, completely ignoring the three casinos five minutes away which already provide said negative effects.

This time around though.. I don't think the 'NO' people are going to be able to stop people from getting this to pass.. The last few elections it seems as if the people have been too complacent with some of the laws that have passed and more than anything seems to be striking quite a nerve with the common Nebraskans (at their own fault, though)..

Including:
Anti-gay legislation
casinos AND
Bar times

Amongst other things as well..

This time, there is going to be more of a push to get the common 'complacent' Nebraskan to voice their opinioin..

(And as the number of registered voters in Nebraska are continuing to climb, it appears to be swinging very heavily to the left..)

S33 · Post by **S33** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 4:04 pm

OmahaBen wrote:
RegisResident wrote:Why wouldn't 4am pass?
Do you realize what state you're talking about? This is the same one, after all, which didn't want to allow a casino in Omaha because it was worried about the negative effects of gambling, completely ignoring the three casinos five minutes away which already provide said negative effects.

Aren't they filming a movie in Omaha about dumbass politicians in the state and local that aren't allowing casinos?

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 4:04 pm

THe only way I can see this getting passed is if it was put to a vote. Didn't this get killed early in a committee earlier this year (last year maybe) in the Legislature?

No GOP suckling state senator is going to vote for this because of appearing to take the moral high ground, but I'm pretty sure most of them are already throwing back Busch light past 1 when they're out terrace hopping and fishing or whatever it is they do.

S33 · Post by **S33** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 4:07 pm

DTO Luv wrote:THe only way I can see this getting passed is if it was put to a vote. Didn't this get killed early in a committee earlier this year (last year maybe) in the Legislature?

No GOP suckling state senator is going to vote for this because of appearing to take the moral high ground, but I'm pretty sure most of them are already throwing back Busch light past 1 when they're out terrace hopping and fishing or whatever it is they do.

Sadly, I wouldn't see it passing. Parents the ages of late 20's to 40's will take an easy 'No' vote simply so they don't have to worry about their kids out all morning at a bar. That would be a much easier thought process for them than the logic Regis mentioned.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 4:13 pm

S33 wrote:
OmahaBen wrote:
RegisResident wrote:Why wouldn't 4am pass?
Do you realize what state you're talking about? This is the same one, after all, which didn't want to allow a casino in Omaha because it was worried about the negative effects of gambling, completely ignoring the three casinos five minutes away which already provide said negative effects.
Aren't they filming a movie in Omaha about dumbass politicians in the state and local that aren't allowing casinos?

If they are I would love to see this. Anyone have anymore info on this?

S33 · Post by **S33** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 4:21 pm

DTO Luv wrote:
S33 wrote:
OmahaBen wrote:
RegisResident wrote:Why wouldn't 4am pass?
Do you realize what state you're talking about? This is the same one, after all, which didn't want to allow a casino in Omaha because it was worried about the negative effects of gambling, completely ignoring the three casinos five minutes away which already provide said negative effects.
Aren't they filming a movie in Omaha about dumbass politicians in the state and local that aren't allowing casinos?
If they are I would love to see this. Anyone have anymore info on this?

Let me find it. I know because they had to work out an agreement w/first national tower to buzz the building but weren't able to go below the 22nd floor.

Called "The Yield"

http://www.kmtv.com/Global/story.asp?S= ... 550_8_4_11
Overcast skies and a light drizzle were apparently less than ideal conditions for a movie shoot over the First National Bank Tower Saturday morning. The planned shoot using a helicopter never happened. Officials said if the weather was not cooperative, the shoot would be postponed until Monday morning between 7 and 8am at the skyscraper at 16th and Dodge, and that clearance has been obtained from the FAA.

The chopper will fly close to the building but will not fly any lower than the 22nd floor.

Few details about the shoot are available, but it is reportedly for an action movie called 'Yield' set in Omaha. City officials tell 'Action 3 News' the plot revolves around an Omaha family trying to open a casino.

Eppley Airfield and the Old Market were recently film shoot locations for a movie starring George Clooney called 'Up in the Air,' which is set to be released in December.

From OWH

"“The Yield,” based on a screenplay by Chris Workman and Adam Fogarty, is about a plot to manipulate political officials into building a casino in Omaha."
http://omaha.com/article/20091017/NEWS01/710179940

That's all I could find on it.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 11:37 pm

Casinos and bar close times are different issues. I think some casino opponents would vote in favor of this issue. The bottom line: Nebraska obviously is very conservative, which is why 4am would never fly. If it's possible to make this a county or city option that's probably the best scenario to get this passed. Beside Omaha, I could give an at's rass if this measure were applied to the rest of the state save maybe Lincoln. Asking for 2am and thus joining the rest of the country is more likely than getting 4am which is less common and I doubt this market would support such a time even if it were legal.