NY May Set 11 PM Curfew for Backyard and Rooftop Bars

In a move that is directed at New York City's growing population of rooftop bars and backyard al fresco drinking spots, a Assemblywoman from Brooklyn (tired of the complaints from Brooklyn Heights and Carroll Gardens) has proposed a bill that would mandate an 11 PM curfew:

All bars on rooftop of buildings that are less than 10 stories and establishments with rear yards that serve alcohol within 500 feet of residential property would be required to close at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 p.m. every other day.

Venue owners will have the opportunity to acquire a permit showing that they have waiter service and no music that will exempt them, but everyone else will be shit out of luck. Also Community Boards would be able waive the rule on a case by case basis.

But it's not time to cry in the pint glass just yet. Bills get introduced all the time and go nowhere. If it becomes a real threat, the restaurant lobbying groups will surly have at it.

· Outside Drinkers Could Face Early Last Call [WSJ]