Officials May Force Local Bars to Close Earlier

There is a proposal to move up the curfew for some Hudson Valley bars in an effort to reduce crime and other problems.

Mid Hudson News is reporting that Newburgh officials are debating an ordinance that would make all bars shutter their doors at 2am. Councilwoman Cindy Holmes says she is concerned over recent violence in the city, including a fatal beating outside a Washington Street bar earlier this month.

Currently, bars can remain open until 4am in the City of Newburgh. Police Chief, Daniel Cameron, has reservations about the curfew. He says that the police are working to restore a positive relationship with community members and is afraid having to enforce the earlier curfew may curtail those efforts.

The Newburgh Waterfront is a popular bar and restaurant destination. With warm weather starting to hit our area, may party-goers will begin to flock to the area in search of a good time. An earlier bar curfew may have a negative impact on businesses who rely on seasonal late-night crowds.

We want to know what you think, should bars close earlier than 4am? Is 2am still too late? Let us know in the comments section below.