The head of the D.C. Council’s committee on public safety Wednesday echoed criticisms by two U.S. senators of the council’s emergency legislation to extend bar and restaurant hours during inauguration week, saying security and public order are in the federal interest.
“I think the senators are reiterating the fact that, with so many people descending on the District for the inauguration, maintaining public order and public safety is not going to be easy,” said council member Phil Mendelson, at-large Democrat.
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, in an interview with NewsChannel 8 on Wednesday afternoon, repeated his intention to sign the legislation.
“The Council of the District of Columbia are elected to make the laws of the people of the District of Columbia,” he told the station.
On Tuesday, Sens. Dianne Feinstein, California Democrat, and Robert F. Bennett, Utah Republican, sent a letter to council Chairman Vincent C. Gray and Mr. Fenty urging the council to reverse its vote to allow bars and nightclubs to serve drinks until 5 a.m., as well to let restaurants stay open 24 hours a day from Jan. 17 to the morning after Barack Obama is sworn in as president on Jan 20.
The legislation is the brainchild of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.
Mr. Mendelson, who voted against the legislation, said that putting public safety above all other concerns was the responsibility of the federal government, as well as the council.
“The concern for public order is an interest we all share,” he said.
D.C. church and neighborhood leaders have joined the opposition to the legislation.
The Downtown Cluster of Congregations, a nonprofit ecumenical group, sent a letter to the mayor and the D.C. Council protesting the move.
“Yes, the inauguration is an event to be celebrated. However service up until 5 a.m. can quite possibly have negative impacts upon neighborhood and quality of life issues and if such does occur, mar this national event,” said Terrance Lynch, executive director of the Downtown Cluster.
Nancy Shia, advisory neighborhood commissioner for the bar-heavy Adams Morgan area, said she is also concerned.
“I don’t see why they need to let bars keep serving alcohol. There’s been a such an increase in robberies and assaults, especially in Adams Morgan, I just don’t see how it’s going to help,” she said.
Mr. Gray, a Democrat, defended the decision.
“While I respect the views of Senators Feinstein and Bennett, having venues available for residents and visitors alike in which to spend time during the inaugural celebrations for President-elect Barack Obama will provide entertainment options in organized settings for people,” Mr. Gray said.
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