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Board rejects Saratoga County resolution asking state to restrict alcohol "last call" hours
Summary
Supervisors took a separate roll-call vote on Resolution 117, which requested the New York State Liquor Authority limit hours of last call for alcohol sales in Saratoga County; the motion failed after debate about public safety and business rights.
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors on April 15 voted down Resolution 117, a county-level request asking the New York State Liquor Authority to restrict the hours of last call for alcoholic beverage service in Saratoga County.
The item was pulled for a separate roll call after several supervisors requested a standalone vote. A supervisor who spoke in favor of the resolution described years of local debate in Saratoga Springs and cited past incidents of violence to argue earlier last-call times would enhance public safety. Supporters proposed a seasonal schedule — last call at 2 a.m. from Nov. 1 to April 30 and 3 a.m. from May 1 to Oct. 31, with an exception for New Year’s Eve.
Opponents argued the proposal would improperly restrict businesses and noted the draft language sets a uniform last-call time rather than requiring establishments to close at that hour. Supervisor Tolleson spoke against the resolution, saying business owners and late-shift workers should be able to determine operating hours. Supervisor Fish questioned whether a last-call restriction would be effective, asking what would prevent patrons from buying multiple drinks at last call and remaining in establishments.
After discussion and a roll-call vote, the motion failed. The clerk recorded individual votes during the roll call and the chair announced the motion did not carry.
