Bar hoppers might be able to extend their curfew one more hour on Thursday nights.

The Liquor Commission approved a recommendation, 3-2, to extend bar hours from 1 to 2 a.m. on Thursday nights.

Police Chief Bill Feithen was opposed to the recommendation.

He said it would allow for more overtime for police officers due to the amount of incidents that occur later in the night.

“[Each incident] can last up to four to five, six, seven hours,” Feithen said. “It’s not that unusual.”

He also pointed out that all establishments knew the regulations and knew the hours when they got their license. He explained how difficult it is to control someone who is drunk and passing the motion can cost more money for workers’ compensation.

However, Michael Embrey, a member of the Liquor Commission, said the police officers knew their job before going into the force.

Feithen also said recommending this would send mixed messages to the police, fire department and the citizens.

“Is this the type of image we want to project?” Feithen asked. “Is it one of our priorities? I don’t think it should be.”

Jeff Whelan, chair of the commission, pointed out that none of the bar owners were present at the meeting, which doesn’t look good for the owners.

But Embrey said when they came to previous meetings, they always ran into negativity.

“I’d like to get their view,” Whelan said. “My concern is what do they feel.”

Another consideration, recommended by commission member Kevin Braden, was passed and stated that bar owners will get a copy of the agenda so they can come to the meeting and state their opinion if they wish.

Jerald Phillips, a member of the commission, said the consideration shouldn’t be passed because it only will benefit a minority of bar owners.

“I don’t see how an extra hour can help the city,” he said.

Embrey suggested to review when incidents take place and have greater punishment for incidents that occur later at night.

City Attorney Margo Ely disagreed.

“An incident that happens at 2 a.m. is not more illegal than if it happens at 10 p.m.” Ely said.

Whelan said the majority of incidents that happen are caused by drunk driving and suggested doing something, like taking away and keeping someone’s keys when they enter a bar, unless that person has someone sober taking them home.

“We should set a precedent by enforcing a law like that,” Whelan said.

This is the third time this recommendation will be presented to the city council, Embrey said.

Previously, it only failed by a couple votes, said Student Trustee Jesse Perez, who is also a member of the Liquor Commission. Perez was the only student who attended the meeting.

“If the council doesn’t want it, why waste time?” Phillips asked.

Second Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen said this is not something the city council recommended.

“I have a feeling this is a personal agenda,” Povlsen said. “I don’t know where it came from.”

This recommendation will be presented to the city council in December.