Nebraska "Last Call" debate

[OmahaChef]

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.

His name is Rogert.

[nebport5]

Senator Rogert has introduced a new bill, LB 1013, which would extend the alcohol sales hour in Douglas 'til 2a.m. on Friday and Saturday. He indicated to me that it has "real traction".


I guess this would be a start.

[DTO Luv]

Let's hope. I can't wait to see the same group of people come out against this like they always do and what their arguments will be this time.

[Omababe]

Let's hope. I can't wait to see the same group of people come out against this like they always do and what their arguments will be this time.

OMG, yes, all of the self-appointed guardians of the public morals.

[Brad]

This should be purely a business decision! Vote Yes!

[nebugeater]

I agree with a yes vote but I have my doubt with it being just a Douglas Co. thing that it will pass. Don't you think a lot of the small town bars and the Lincoln, and Sarpy Co would benefit too? My thinking says that there will be a few no votes just because it is a Douglas Co thing that may be yes votes if it was state wide.

[nebport5]

I agree with a yes vote but I have my doubt with it being just a Douglas Co. thing that it will pass. Don't you think a lot of the small town bars and the Lincoln, and Sarpy Co would benefit too? My thinking says that there will be a few no votes just because it is a Douglas Co thing that may be yes votes if it was state wide.

Yes, it could benefit smaller communities too, however, its possible that many of the "no" votes are from these areas. Rogert stated his "goal is to stop the flow of money into Iowa and to hopefully stop people from driving over to Council Bluffs after drinking." Hence the exclusive Douglas County designation.

[nebport5]

Now the next step is to see if Suttle is on board in the midst of his budget shortfalls.

[nebugeater]

I agree with a yes vote but I have my doubt with it being just a Douglas Co. thing that it will pass. Don't you think a lot of the small town bars and the Lincoln, and Sarpy Co would benefit too? My thinking says that there will be a few no votes just because it is a Douglas Co thing that may be yes votes if it was state wide.

Yes, it could benefit smaller communities too, however, its possible that many of the "no" votes are from these areas. Rogert stated his "goal is to stop the flow of money into Iowa and to hopefully stop people from driving over to Council Bluffs after drinking." Hence the exclusive Douglas County designation.

I think we may be saying the same thing. There are the NO votes that will be NO votes no matter what. I think the Douglas Co exclusive may create some no votes because of the exclusive county designation that may be YES votes if it was state wide.

[OmahaBen]

I agree with a yes vote but I have my doubt with it being just a Douglas Co. thing that it will pass. Don't you think a lot of the small town bars and the Lincoln, and Sarpy Co would benefit too? My thinking says that there will be a few no votes just because it is a Douglas Co thing that may be yes votes if it was state wide.

Yes, it could benefit smaller communities too, however, its possible that many of the "no" votes are from these areas. Rogert stated his "goal is to stop the flow of money into Iowa and to hopefully stop people from driving over to Council Bluffs after drinking." Hence the exclusive Douglas County designation.

I think we may be saying the same thing. There are the NO votes that will be NO votes no matter what. I think the Douglas Co exclusive may create some no votes because of the exclusive county designation that may be YES votes if it was state wide.

I think those will be offset by the "yes" votes for people from Bumble**** who don't want to ruin their small towns with that kind of immoral behavior, but are fine if the big bad sinful city wants to increase the state's coffers a little more with an extra hour of drinking.

[DTO Luv]

This is what I don't understand. All of my family on my mom's side is from small town NE. I've been around my family and their friends to know that not all of them are against drinking. In fact many of them are drinkers and party often. What else are you going to do in the middle of nowhere? I just don't see everyone else in NE being that against drinking when I've seen so many people be the opposite. They obviously don't have a huge problem with drinking but what makes it wrong to drink past an arbitrary time when it can put you at an economic disadvantage?

[TechnicalDisaster]

This is what I don't understand. All of my family on my mom's side is from small town NE. I've been around my family and their friends to know that not all of them are against drinking. In fact many of them are drinkers and party often. What else are you going to do in the middle of nowhere? I just don't see everyone else in NE being that against drinking when I've seen so many people be the opposite. They obviously don't have a huge problem with drinking but what makes it wrong to drink past an arbitrary time when it can put you at an economic disadvantage?

Just my $.02. Not expanding the drinking cap in small town NE doesn't put those bars at a economic advantage. There is no competition for those drinkers to get too in a reasonable amount of time. They aren't going to burn up an hour driving to Iowa. In Douglas county the competition is right across the river, so bars here have the disadvantage, and would gain a lot from changing the cutoff.

The most vocal naysayers (that I've witnessed) are usually people who live close to rowdy neighborhood bars, and don't want the existing problems to be extended a few more hours.

[DTO Luv]

I don't know why they don't just put it at a state level. I'm all for Omaha having a later drinking time but I don't know that I like the idea of having laws in the same state only applying to some parts of the state. I think the state should allow all bars to be open until 2 or later and then leave it up to the bar owners on who feels like staying open. That way if it doesn't work in one place it doesn't take away the benefit to where it does make sense to stay open later.

[nebport5]

I agree with a yes vote but I have my doubt with it being just a Douglas Co. thing that it will pass. Don't you think a lot of the small town bars and the Lincoln, and Sarpy Co would benefit too? My thinking says that there will be a few no votes just because it is a Douglas Co thing that may be yes votes if it was state wide.

Yes, it could benefit smaller communities too, however, its possible that many of the "no" votes are from these areas. Rogert stated his "goal is to stop the flow of money into Iowa and to hopefully stop people from driving over to Council Bluffs after drinking." Hence the exclusive Douglas County designation.

I think we may be saying the same thing. There are the NO votes that will be NO votes no matter what. I think the Douglas Co exclusive may create some no votes because of the exclusive county designation that may be YES votes if it was state wide.

I think those will be offset by the "yes" votes for people from Bumble**** who don't want to ruin their small towns with that kind of immoral behavior, but are fine if the big bad sinful city wants to increase the state's coffers a little more with an extra hour of drinking.

Yeah, that's a crude version of what I meant. This proposal at the state level has been poo pooed how many times before? So a new approach.

I don't know why they don't just put it at a state level. I'm all for Omaha having a later drinking time but I don't know that I like the idea of having laws in the same state only applying to some parts of the state. I think the state should allow all bars to be open until 2 or later and then leave it up to the bar owners on who feels like staying open. That way if it doesn't work in one place it doesn't take away the benefit to where it does make sense to stay open later.

agreed. But maybe this is baby steps.

[nativeomahan]

LB 1013. I'll drink to that! Even if it is only 2 nights a week (Friday and Saturday).


http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDoc ... LB1013.pdf

[RegisResident]

2 am works for me Let the drinks flow for another hr.

[joeglow]

Just heard on KFAB that second round approval was granted for a bill allowing cities to extend closing time.

[nativeomahan]

Another push to allow a local option to keep bars open until 2 am in Nebraska received second round approval in the legislature.
Maybe, just maybe, Omaha will be allowed to join the rest of civilized society when it comes to libations.

http://fwix.com/omaha/share/9d689e9e0f/ ... n_nebraska

[Erik]

Definintion of Irony:

China
Many bars, KTVs and night clubs have no specific last call and will continue to sell alcohol and stay open provided there are paying customers present. However during sensitive times where national security is increased (ie. the Olympics, the 60th Anniversary of the PRC) closing times may be in effect in some cities between 1 and 3 a.m. Alcohol is sold through retailers 24 hours a day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_call_(bar_term)

[nativeomahan]

That is part of how a one party state continues to successfully govern...keep the bars open.

[nebport5]

That is part of how a one party state continues to successfully govern...keep the bars open.

what?!


or how about...how a one party state can only suppress for so long...until progressive sense takes over (finally!).

[nebport5]

from the Herald...
Last Call May Come Later


This pertains to an amendment in LB 861 which would allow bar times to be set locally for all seven days of the week, not just friday and saturday, a la LB 1013. This makes a lot more sense for tourism, which of course happens more than 2 days out of the week.

[StreetsOfOmaha]

Wonderful news!! And about bloody time!

In China, many bars, KTVs and night clubs have no specific last call and will continue to sell alcohol and stay open provided there are paying customers present.

What's this? Opening hours and sale of alcohol based on supply and demand? Why, that sounds like a free-market! Is red China giving the almighty capitalists of the US a lesson in fee-market economics? :)

I'm not necessarily saying I support that policy in China, because I firmly believe that free-markets are almost incapable of bringing about the best results for people in terms of health, happiness, etc. I guess that makes me a socialist. Ooooh! Bad word!

However, I find it sadly and disgustingly hilarious that many of those on the far right who oppose government involvement in people's lives are the same people who want the government to ban gay marriage, ban gambling, ban/restrict alcohol sales, etc. I guess they want the government to get involved in the lives of everybody but them -- those people whose lifestyles they disagree with. |expletive| hypocrites.

I digress.

[joeglow]

However, I find it sadly and disgustingly hilarious that many of those on the far right who oppose government involvement in people's lives are the same people who want the government to ban gay marriage, ban gambling, ban/restrict alcohol sales, etc. I guess they want the government to get involved in the lives of everybody but them -- those people whose lifestyles they disagree with. |expletive| hypocrites.

I digress.

I agree with you on all of those. The thing I find sadly and disgustingly hilarious is that many of those on the far left support all of those, but then also support taking MY money to pay for the byproducts of the poor decisions people make as it relates to them.

Legalize gambling if you want to. However, if someone upsets away their money gambling, don't take my money to allow them to keep their house or provide healthcare.

[S33]

You can't really tell a self-admitted socialist not to support the principles of socialism.

[Erik]

The bill was passed tonight and signed into law..

It is official, Nebraska has joined the norm as a 2 A.M. state. It is time to talk to our city legislatures..

[nebport5]

The bill was passed tonight and signed into law..

It is official, Nebraska has joined the norm as a 2 A.M. state. It is time to talk to our city legislatures..

Are you sure about that? I believe it passed yesterday and was delivered to the Governor today for signing.




Anyway, it won't take effect until mid July. It'll be interesting to watch the council on this in the meantime.

[StreetsOfOmaha]

You can't really tell a self-admitted socialist not to support the principles of socialism.

I guess I wouldn't call myself a socialist, so much as a believer in failed capitalism.

[Big E]

Omaha.com article on the bill passing:

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100410/N ... ill-passes

Will require a 4-3 vote from the city council according to the article. The article also says it will require a 2/3s vote from the city council, so I'm not sure which one is the correct math.

Also, check out the blurb about the bill that removes the legal barriers for private wind farm development.

[S33]

You can't really tell a self-admitted socialist not to support the principles of socialism.

I guess I wouldn't call myself a socialist, so much as a believer in failed capitalism.

No, our democracy has failed, US capitalism is nothing more than a byproduct of our government and it's policy. It's cyclical and it's got to go through some major changes. It hasn't "failed."

Funny how our "capitalism" has allowed you and I and every other ungrateful piece of |expletive| in this country to be the most productive human beings on the face of the Earth.... by a LONG shot.

[Brad]

Quit bickering about politics and start writing you city council person so this gets passed!

http://www.cityofomaha.org/citycouncil/

[StreetsOfOmaha]

No, our democracy has failed, US capitalism is nothing more than a byproduct of our government and it's policy.

To some extent, I would say that's semantics.

Funny how our "capitalism" has allowed you and I and every other ungrateful piece of |expletive| in this country to be the most productive human beings on the face of the Earth.... by a LONG shot.

Most productive? I'm going to need to see some documentation on that. :yes:

And anyway, I don't think it's capitalism that has "allowed" this "productivity", I think it's the freedom offered by our democracy which has allowed at least the possibility of upward mobility. The problem is that capitalism has concentrated wealth at the very top and virtually eliminated the middle class. I know too many conservative rich pricks who don't realize that they would not have been able to achieve their wealth without the stability that the government provides. Then they wine about being taxed at a higher rate, when they pretty much owe their success to civilized society which exists because of government.

[S33]

To some extent, I would say that's semantics.

So is every other |expletive| conversation around here.

Most productive? I'm going to need to see some documentation on that. :yes:

Let's see... the US, roughly 1/25th of the worlds population. US GDP = 1/4th of the world GDP, this making each and every person in this country, by definition, the most productive in the world, by a long fuking shot.

However, reality would show that not all of US citizens are productive, there is still a huge population of deadbeats, you know, those assholes who thrive from socialist handouts - the |expletive| you advocate? =-)

FYI, I could give a |expletive| less which "conservative pricks" you think you know, who according to you, have little understanding from which they accumulated their wealth, because there is an equal amount of snooty dumbass liberals who have also thrived from capitalism and continue to prey upon the poor.

Maybe if you would spend less time mounting your bicycle and educating yourself on everyday current events and political dynamics as they apply to the average joe, you may actually know what the |expletive| you are talking about. But no, you just keep dreaming up your same old candyland bull-|expletive| in your 9x9 cubicle and plan your departure to the next eastern European Utopia you hope for. I'll even pack your bags for ya

[joeglow]

You can't really tell a self-admitted socialist not to support the principles of socialism.

I guess I wouldn't call myself a socialist, so much as a believer in failed capitalism.

You're right. I look at the progress that has been made in the last 150 years, the amount that came from the US and can only imagine the flying cars and moon resorts we would have if we only had not had capitalism. :roll:

[joeglow]

No, our democracy has failed, US capitalism is nothing more than a byproduct of our government and it's policy.

To some extent, I would say that's semantics.

Funny how our "capitalism" has allowed you and I and every other ungrateful piece of |expletive| in this country to be the most productive human beings on the face of the Earth.... by a LONG shot.

Most productive? I'm going to need to see some documentation on that. :yes:

And anyway, I don't think it's capitalism that has "allowed" this "productivity", I think it's the freedom offered by our democracy which has allowed at least the possibility of upward mobility. The problem is that capitalism has concentrated wealth at the very top and virtually eliminated the middle class. I know too many conservative rich pricks who don't realize that they would not have been able to achieve their wealth without the stability that the government provides. Then they wine about being taxed at a higher rate, when they pretty much owe their success to civilized society which exists because of government.

You realize studies have shown that conservatives donate more money, time and even blood that liberals when comparing across EVERY income level. Liberals like to claim to be advocates for the poor, but only with other people's money. I think they very fact that they are the selfish and greedy ones is what leads to the projections you see above.

Now, that said, I agree with Brad. We all need to contact our representatives. I sent off an e-mail to Jean.

[nebport5]

Quit bickering about politics and start writing you city council person so this gets passed!

http://www.cityofomaha.org/citycouncil/

Here, Here!!


With the current budget short fall and the additional revenue this will generate, I can't imagine how it would play well for any councilmen to be the wet blanket on this.

[thenewguy]

some Nebraska people (none on here, I assume) are just a little out of touch. Channel 6 (the authority on news reporting) was discussing it and had some viewers weigh in. There was one person that said 'haven't seen a closing at a bar in a while but it'd be good if you got a late start,' which is understandable. But then this lady that called in (they played the audio recording), and said, "fights break out at bars all the time!! Now they're going to be open an hour LATER!?" Unreal. Isn't 1am too late? Why not close the bars at midnight? That way nothing bad will ever happen at a bar again...because everyone knows that |expletive| only goes down from midnight on.


Omaha needs to secede from the rest of Nebraska.

[Seth]

But then this lady that called in (they played the audio recording), and said, "fights break out at bars all the time!! Now they're going to be open an hour LATER!?" Unreal. Isn't 1am too late? Why not close the bars at midnight? That way nothing bad will ever happen at a bar again...because everyone knows that |expletive| only goes down from midnight on.

Assure her that bar has been closed:

[S33]

some Nebraska people (none on here, I assume) are just a little out of touch. Channel 6 (the authority on news reporting) was discussing it and had some viewers weigh in. There was one person that said 'haven't seen a closing at a bar in a while but it'd be good if you got a late start,' which is understandable. But then this lady that called in (they played the audio recording), and said, "fights break out at bars all the time!! Now they're going to be open an hour LATER!?" Unreal. Isn't 1am too late? Why not close the bars at midnight? That way nothing bad will ever happen at a bar again...because everyone knows that |expletive| only goes down from midnight on.


Omaha needs to secede from the rest of Nebraska.

dumbass...

[nebugeater]

Omaha needs to secede from the rest of Nebraska.

It is not and "In Omaha" vs a "Not in Omaha" issues. What in what you posted gives any indication of the lady not being FROM Omaha.