Berlin is on the way to becoming the first jurisdiction in the state to allow bars to take advantage of a new law and serve liquor until 2 a.m.
But Mayor Paul Grenier says the city council's decision has a downside.
“It is actually going to increase law-enforcement activity.”
And, an upside.
“We want to try to encourage and do everything we can to help our businesses in Berlin succeed.”
Grenier says a police commission will make the key decision on whether a bar can extend hours – and whether it loses that privilege if there are problems.
Berlin is now writing an ordinance covering the extension. The formal language still has to be approved by council but Grenier says he doesn’t think that will be a problem.