The push to extend tavern hours to 2 a.m. on Friday mornings passed the first hurdle at Monday’s DeKalb City Council meeting, with Mayor Greg Sparrow casting the deciding vote.

“I don’t see it as a big problem,” Sparrow said. “It’s not going to produce a big hardship for the city.”

The ordinance must go through a second reading at the next meeting on Feb. 25. to go into effect.

DeKalb resident Tom Smith protested the idea and said “there is a diminished demand for alcohol,” and that is why the businesses have been suffering temporary losses in revenue.

“I would like my peace and quiet on Thursday nights,” he said. “I’m sorry the liquor industry is suffering, but not at my expense should you make a third party night.”

After Smith finished, Ward 1 Alderman Amy Polzin, Ward 6 Alderman Jamie Pennington and Ward 7 Alderman Jeff Monroe voted for the extension. Ward 2 Alderman Michael Welsh, Ward 4 Alderman Rita Tewksbury and Ward 5 Alderman Bessie Chronopoulos opposed the longer hours.

Mayor Sparrow then cast the deciding vote for extended hours.

The action was prompted by twelve DeKalb liquor merchants who signed petitions asking to stay open until 2 a.m. on Friday mornings to regain revenue lost by increased liquor taxes and the state’s ban on “happy hours”.

Robert J. Daniels, president of Otto’s Tap Inc., 118 E. Lincoln Highway, said he feels confident the ordinance will pass.

“It’s basically a trial situation,” Daniels said. “If this goes well, we’re going to push for more hours on the weekend and possibly till 2 a.m. during the week.”