The Annapolis City Council voted Monday night to allow more downtown bars and restaurants to stay open until 2 a.m., overturning a nearly 20-year-old policy that critics decried as unfair.
The council approved the measure 6 to 3, with Mayor Joshua J. Cohen voting against it. The new law strikes down a 1994 policy that prohibits restaurants that serve alcohol from remaining open beyond midnight. Businesses that already had a 2 a.m. license at that time were grandfathered in, which critics argued gave those establishments an improper advantage.
Alderman Kenneth Kirby voted for the measure, which applies to the downtown historic district, and would allow any bar or restaurant in that area to apply for a license to stay open until 2.
"I think it's a real fairness issue," he said.
Downtown residents lobbied against the change, arguing that it would bring more rowdy patrons to the streets late at night.
"I think it's irresponsible without first addressing these other issues of enforcement and safety and fees," Cohen said before casting his vote.
A recent report issued by the Citizens Committee to Review Alcoholic Beverage Laws recommended the change, but also called for a stronger police presence when bars and restaurants are closing to deal with crimes such as public urination and vandalism.
Council members said at the meeting that they expect to take up related law enforcement issues in coming months.
Brian Cahalan, owner of 49 West, a restaurant on West Street, already holds a 2 a.m. license, but said he was glad to see the process opened up for others.
"Competition is better for everybody," Cahalan said.