Last call at 3 am? Lawmaker asks governor to extend liquor sales during World Series

Celebrating the Diamondbacks as they play in the World Series could go into extra innings at local bars if Gov. Katie Hobbs takes up a state lawmaker’s idea to temporarily extend liquor sales to 3 a.m. from 2 a.m.

Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, sent a letter to Hobbs on Wednesday asking her to activate a state law passed last year that allows her to issue an executive order to let drinking continue past normal closing time.

“The Diamondbacks pulled it off and I wanted to make use of the new legislation,” Gress said. “It reflects a limited window for the bars and small businesses to have the flexibility to serve customers and to celebrate that Arizona is the place to be for champions.”

Hobbs declined comment on the Gress’ letter.

Arizona extended bar hours to 2 a.m. from 1 a.m. with a law signed by former Gov. Janet Napolitano in 2004.

The 2022 law allows an exception from the usual 2 a.m.-to-6 a.m. ban on alcohol sales with the governor’s approval. Gress said it was signed by former Gov. Doug Ducey in time for the Super Bowl this year but never used.

Read the letter: Rep. Matt Gress asks Gov. Katie Hobbs to temporarily extend liquor sales for World Series

The law would require Hobbs to consult with her appointee in the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety “and the public safety community in this state” to extend the closing time to 3 a.m. “in connection with a professional collegiate national sporting championship event held in this state.”

Public safety wouldn’t be affected by the switch to 3 a.m., according to Gress. The extra hour would mitigate “the rush that happens at 2 a.m.,” which he expects to be exacerbated by larger-than-normal crowds, Gress said.

Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, said he “doesn’t have a problem with it” and encouraged Hobbs to issue the executive order.

“I’m not in favor of a limitation,” he said. “There’s always going to be people who push it to the limit.”

Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on X @raystern.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hobbs asked to extend AZ liquor sales by 1 hour during World Series