The idea to extend liquor sales would be most attractive in California’s big tourist cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.
However, businesses like Fulton 55 in downtown Fresno are already embracing the concept.
“We think it's a great idea. We're progressive here. We think outside the box,” said John Quiroz, manager of Fulton 55.
Quiroz says being able to serve booze until 4 a.m., rather than 2 a.m., would allow his nightclub to cater to the crowd who may just be hitting the town after midnight.
“It changes nightlife here in Fresno and it changes us,” said Quiroz.
State Senator Mark Leno authored SB 635, which would allow cities and counties to ask the department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for permission to extend liquor sales.
Leno's reasoning?
It could boost the economy.
“To a degree we can increase our tax revenues and expand businesses and find new employment opportunities, I think that's a good thing,” said Sen. Mark Leno, (D) San Francisco.
“Yeah you might be making more of a profit but you might be having more problems and fights at your bars and restaurants,” said John Burns, an opponent of the proposed law.
John Burns thinks it's better to stop the tap at 2:00 then roll out the food menu until four.
“Maybe doing happy hours might be nice. People want to eat more especially if they want to sober up,” said Burns.
Fresno Police are not fond of Senator Leno's proposal.
“Right now we're trying to work on the social behavior and making drinking not acceptable and getting people to make the right decisions,” Sgt. Richard Tucker of the Fresno Police Dept.
In Fresno last year, officers made more than 3,200 D.U.I. arrests. There were 350 D.U.I.-related crashes and 10 people died.
“So I don't think I need two more hours of in there to help me with that when I’m working toward stopping it,” said Sgt. Tucker.
“I can understand law enforcement not being a fan of it, but if we could find a way to come together and make it work that would be rad,” said Quiroz.
Senator Leno believes his proposal could actually make the streets safer. He says if some businesses closed later, it would prevent bar-goers from all being on the road at the same time.