Two too many
Some bad ideas just won’t go away. Case in point: a rerun of a bill to extend bar hours from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. A measure allowing 10 cities, including San Francisco and Oakland, to add more hours to the carousing clock just cleared the state Senate and is bound for the Assembly.
The idea is the brainchild of the usually sensible state Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat who has flogged this ill-conceived step twice before. His rationale is all fun and hipness: times have changed, nightlife is an “industry,” and the tag-along problems are overrated.
Sorry, senator. This city is rife with urban ills that more alcohol will worsen. Driving is a danger, so why put more tipsy half-wits behind the wheel for longer periods? Neighbors who live near bars and restaurants already complain about the nuisance that late-night drinking brings on. In a city that talks tough about limiting substance abuse, it’s ridiculous to officially welcome more boozing. For a state senator who’s pushed higher soda taxes to improve health, it’s noteworthy that Wiener would want to extend drinking hours.
Let it be said the idea isn’t compulsory. San Francisco, Oakland and the eight cities mentioned in the bill would need to approve the longer hours. But Wiener drew his list because each city had signaled interest in the 4 a.m. closing time.
The measure was spiked last year by former Gov. Jerry Brown, who rightly if unfashionably cited “mischief ” and “mayhem” as reasons to veto the bill. Now Wiener is banking on Gov. Gavin Newsom to approve the latest bill. The governor, who’s struggled with drinking in his past, should act like his predecessor if it reaches his desk.
The 2 a.m. closing time simply does not rate among the state’s serious problems.