No takers for 4 a.m. bar close in St. Paul

The Pioneer Press looks into which bars will be staying open until 4 a.m. during the Republican National Convention. The answer: none so far in St. Paul. The much-debated proposal, which inspired visions of puking Republican lobbyists on the streets of downtown, has apparently drawn yawns from bar owners. The $2,500 cost to expand bar hours undoubtedly was a major deterrent.

Minneapolis bar owners, who are required to pay an identical fee, have been slightly more willing to pony up the cash. Nine establishments — including First Avenue, The Saloon and three strip clubs — have applied for permission to serve drinks for two additional hours during the four-day gathering. In addition, 12 businesses are seeking permits for private parties lasting until 4 a.m., which only entails a $100 fee. Among the locales for these invite-only bashes: Dakota Jazz Club, Nicollet Island Pavilion and the Fine Line Music Cafe.

Meanwhile Bloomington isn’t charging businesses a dime to stay open later. They just want bars and restaurants to let the city know if they intend to keep serving drinks until 4 a.m. So far a dozen establishments, mostly hotels, have signed up for the expanded business hours.