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Peekskill business-owners, residents clash over proposed 2AM last-call change
Summary
A proposed citywide change to last call—from 4AM to 2AM—drew lengthy public comment from restaurant and bar owners who warned of economic harm, and from residents and other owners who urged enforcement and targeted approaches focused on problem locations.
The Common Council’s public hearing on proposed text amendments to Peekskill’s business-hours code focused on a suggested citywide change to make last call 2AM instead of 4AM. City officials said the amendments would standardize definitions and allow the city to regulate entertainment venues more consistently.
Business owners argued the change would disproportionately hurt late-night restaurants and bars that depend on late hours. Ruben Alvarez, owner of Ruben Mexico Cafe, said his establishment and others draw patrons who visit multiple venues and that shorter hours would push customers to other towns. “I don't think it's fair...We bring revenue to schools. Our sales tax goes to schools, to the police,” he said. Owners suggested targeted enforcement of bad actors rather than blanket hour changes and proposed security measures such as off-duty or contracted officers for late-night venues.
Other speakers, including long-time downtown business owners, asked for a limited-hours district approach, arguing problems are concentrated in specific corridors and that closing hours citywide risks harming businesses in areas that are not the source of incidents. John Sharp, a downtown restaurant owner, cited recent violent incidents and urged the council to pair any hours policy with increased police presence and enforcement in problem zones. Council members said they will refine the proposal and consider targeted options rather than a one-size-fits-all measure.
