DeKalb commission votes to scale back bar hours

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners decided Tuesday to shave two hours off the time that businesses serving alcohol can operate.

Residents who are fed up with crime, noise and traffic coming from the bars and clubs rejoiced when commissioners voted that such businesses will now close at 2 a.m.

"We do a lot of late night business with the people that come in after 1:00, 1:30," said Edward Hood, a manger at O'Riley's.

Some residents disagree that changing the time will cut down on crime.

"Four o'clock is fine. I haven't heard of any crime and I've lived here a long time," Sharmonique Cole said. "I'm not seeing where the crime is at."

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Some business owners said the change is unfair and it will hurt their bottom lines.

"I think you're still going to have the same kind of problems (at) 2:00 or 4:00," Hood said.

He said the problem is not as far-reaching as the new law. A report from DeKalb County police shows that over the past year, several bars and restaurants had no incidents. Thirty bars had one or two incidents, which is in line with other businesses.

Police said in the 212 incidents this year, including fighting, drugs and drunk and disorderly conduct, 41 percent of them took place at just three businesses.

There were 48 incidents in The Cave, 28 at the Cigar Bar and 10 at Dudley's.

"Why are we making changes because of a couple, one or two clubs?" Hood said.

Owners said the change could slash revenue by as much as a third in some cases.

County commissioners said they will look into creating an entertainment district with later hours.

Cox Media Group