The city already has a 1 a.m. shutdown of entertainment in bars, including music, with exceptions granted by permit
Fat Cat Bar and Grill at 232 Worthington St., in downtown Springfield recently received permission to provide entertainment until 2 a.m.SPRINGFIELD – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said this week he is looking for discussion and a future public hearing regarding his recent request to the License Commission to consider an earlier closing hour for bars and clubs.
The mayor’s letter is scheduled for an initial discussion at the commission’s meeting Thursday at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall. However, there will be no decision on bar closing hours until there is a review of the mayor’s request and a public hearing, commission Chairman Peter L. Sygnator said.
Sarno enacted a 1 a.m. entertainment curfew in April that allows bars to stay open until 2 a.m., but requires them to shut off music and other entertainment at 1 a.m., unless they are granted a late-night entertainment permit.
Sarno said that a 1 a.m. closing of bars and other options deserve consideration in the goal of improving public safety.
The 1 a.m. closing suggested now by Sarno is a “natural progression,” he said.
“Any decisions or considerations I base solely on the public safety of residents, businesses affected, visitors and police officers,” Sarno said. “To me, it is a natural progression of the discussion I wanted on both sides of this issue exploring what other cities and towns and venues do.”
Some business owners, employees and patrons have criticized Sarno for the 1 a.m. curfew, saying it has harmed business financially, harmed the vitality of the entertainment district, and driven many customers to other communities. In addition, critics have said that closing bars or shutting down music early does not reduce crime. Sarno said the early statistics have indicated that the curfew is working to reduce late-night crime.
The License Commission is being asked to consider additional steps to improve public safety, he said.
“I want everyone to have a good time and feel safe when they come to Springfield, whether it’s the downtown or neighborhood bars where we have had some issues,” Sarno said.
In Northampton, the bars and clubs have a 1 a.m. closing time, unless the later hour is approved by that city’s License Commission. Approximately 20 bars and restaurants have permission for the 2 a.m. closing hour in Northampton, according to a recent summary.
In other business, the Springfield License Commission will consider a liquor license transfer at the Stonewall Tavern at 1716 Main St. to a new ownership group. Corporation at 1716 Inc., led by the New England Farm Workers Council and local businessman Ronald Krupke, has a purchase and sale agreement to buy the business.