SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) — Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is defending his 1:00 a.m. curfew proposal ahead of a public hearing on the matter this Wednesday.
Sarno says closing bars at 1:00 a.m. instead of 2:00 a.m. isn’t the only option.
Another idea he says, is banning re-entry into bars after 1 o’clock, similar to what Northampton currently does.
He says crime rates increase after 1:00 a.m. taking police away from more important issues.
“My number one priority as it has always been is public safety. The resources, the limited budgetary resources we have, are not called away from the regular routine patrols or from all other aspects of the city,” explains Sarno.
Local bars have said they’ll lose business or even have to shut down because of the proposal.
Mayor Sarno however says it will actually be beneficial to all businesses because it will help improve Springfield’s image.
The public hearing will be held this Wednesday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Springfield City Hall.
Clearly this is necessary, the crime in Springfield is out of control.
i have only lived here a few years and never in my life seen a city so dead set to elminate tax dollars from business. this city does everything to force patrons to go other places to spend thier money and then ***** about budget shortfalls. and now they want a casino. are they going to make the casino close at 1
About a curfew for everyone off the street by 1 a.m. People should be at home safe in their beds unless they have a good reason to be out and not roaming the city looking for trouble.
Anybody underage should have an automatic curfew of 10 p.m.
civil liberties being taken away alpinequeen ? republican supporter also? go figure