RNC: St. Paul says ‘no’ to 4 a.m. bar close

The St. Paul City Council passed a resolution yesterday 4 to 3 opposing a 4 a.m. bar closing for the week surrounding the Republican National Convention.

“Remember whose ward this is going to end up in — it’s mine. And I’ve got 8,000 people living downtown who don’t want a bunch of puking Republican lobbyists on the streets at 4 in the morning,” Council Member Dave Thune said, according to the Pioneer Press.

Police contend that the extra two to three hours of drinking would add extra security costs. St. Paul bars currently stay open until 1 a.m. with permits available for some bars to stay open until 2 a.m.

“This is not Las Vegas. This is the city of St. Paul,” said Council Member Lee Helgen.