Wisconsin eyes expanding bar hours for Democratic convention

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin lawmakers are looking at allowing bars to remain open until 4 a.m. during the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee this summer, but a proposal up for a committee vote Thursday is running into opposition because of changes it would make it how wedding barns are regulated.

There's a bipartisan push to allow for expanded bar hours during the July 13-16 convention, as has been done in other states, to capitalize on the estimated 50,000 people who will be in and around Milwaukee for the event. The bill as proposed would allow bars all across the state to stay open until 4 a.m., if local governments concur, not just those near Milwaukee.

Some lawmakers want to break out the bar time provision in the bill to ensure it passes without the more controversial elements dealing with regulating wedding barns. It's unclear whether the full version of the bill can pass and be signed into law before the Legislature completes its work for the session, likely in late March.

Expanding the bar closing hours from 2 a.m. on weekdays and 2:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays to 4 a.m. has support from the Tavern League and Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

.