City panel says later to vote on "last call" study

By Eric Stirgus

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Last call in Atlanta at 4 a.m.?

The City Council won't drink to that right now.

The Atlanta City Council's Finance/Executive Committee decided Wednesday to hold a resolution to study the economic benefits of extending the hours when liquor is sold in the city from 2:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. The committee's decision means the entire council won't vote on the study at its final meeting of the year on Monday.

The idea's sponsor, Councilman Kwanza Hall, said he wants a study to see whether it will generate more revenue for the city. Hall is worried about the impact expected next year from a decline in property tax revenues from commercial properties.

Hall, who was not at the meeting Wednesday, said he will probably introduce similar legislation next year.

Mayor Shirley Franklin, City Council President Lisa Borders and Finance/Executive Committee Chairman Howard Shook all opposed the idea, saying later hours would put an additional strain on police.