Editorial: Council’s vote made in the spirit of good business

Published 7:00 pm Saturday, December 30, 2017

Revelers wanting to continue their partying at local bars and restaurants in Dalton after the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day will have a chance to do so since the City Council voted to extend the hours that licensed establishments can serve alcoholic beverages by the drink at the start of 2018.

That includes the city’s microbreweries and distilleries.

Voting 4-0 on Dec. 18, council members approved the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Last call is normally midnight on Sundays.

The reason for the vote is that New Year’s Day, a national holiday, is on a Monday. For the rest of the year normal Sunday serving hours will prevail.

Naturally, the council’s decision has riled up several residents, as calls to Today’s Forum and a letter to the editor show. But we think council members did the right thing. As stated, it is a one-time move and it only affects limited businesses — package sales are not included.

The time extension does have an economic development component to it. This lets local establishments know that local government is connected to their needs to help their bottom line. The move allows businesses where alcohol is a commodity to have the opportunity to book parties and get-togethers for this one-time occurrence.

As for the dangers of increased impaired driving, that is a consideration of constant concern.

Strict laws, nationally, state and local, plus tough penalties and education have made the public more aware of the dangers of DUI. More than ever people are relying on designated drivers or public and private means of transportation when going out on the town.

To suggest that tonight’s extension of hours is going to cause an eruption of mayhem and drunken madness on our roads is unrealistic. For those who want to be out and about tonight, by all means play it safe. But let’s not assume that all those who choose to celebrate are going to turn into lawbreakers.

We wish all our readers a safe and happy holiday weekend and a happy New Year.