A few weeks ago, a local rep sponsored a bill that would allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during several days surrounding the Republican National Convention. She withdrew the bill, but now a House panel voted today to let bars serve customers until 4 a.m for 11 days around the event. Liquor stores could also be open the Sundays before and after the event, but the proposal would only apply to locations within 10 miles of the Xcel Energy Center.

Says the AP:

Representative Phyllis Kahn of Minneapolis says she's pushing the later bar hours because she doesn't want to make a bad impression on visitors from sophisticated cities. Kahn turned down a request to temporarily lift the statewide smoking ban.

Personally, I think it's silly there are any restrictions at all to what privately owned bars or restaurants can or cannot serve or do, at any time of day. Likewise, it's equally frivolous that lawmakers propose temporary changes when when they feel it can suit their interests or those 'of the city.'

I'm curious as to why lawmakers want to extend bar drinking hours in order that St. Paul is viewed as more "sophisticated" yet they want to retain the ban on smoking.

What do you think?