The Wisconsin Restaurant Association is proposing keeping bars open until 4 a.m. during the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
President and CEO Kristine Hillmer says, “This is not a political party thing. This is a maximizing exposure for business thing.”
The change would require an amendment to state statutes that require bars to close by 2 a.m., except on New Year's Eve.
“There’s no reason why we can’t do a temporary change," said Hillmer. "We’re not looking to change this forever."
Because many of the 50,000 delegates and guests during the DNC will be staying all over southeastern Wisconsin, the change would affect much of the area and not just Brew City.
Milwaukee Brat House Manager Tiffany Peltonen says, “It may bring challenges for us, but were very excited to be part of it.”
She is already making plans to open earlier for the convention and will likely take advantage of staying open late.
“We’re just trying to be as prepared as we can so that we can handle that many more people in town and get the staff prepared for some longer hours,” said Peltonen.
The Restaurant Association is currently trying to build support for the move at both City Hall in Milwaukee and the capitol in Madison.