Calif. bill to extend last call for alcohol to 4 a.m. already drawing support and criticism

SAN FRANCISCO – A California lawmaker believes that the last call for drinks at 2 a.m. is too early to set down the shot glasses and beer steins.

State Sen. Mark Leno’s proposal to let the liquor flow until 4 a.m. as a way to draw more tourists — and with them more revenue and jobs — is already spawning a sharp debate from watering holes from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Leno says the measure would make California more competitive with other hotspots like New York, Las Vegas and Miami.

Night-spot owners say a later last call will be good for business, but law enforcement officials argue that it increases the chances that cities will see more public drunkenness, violence, drunken driving and possibly fatalities.