Local control over the issue of whether to keep bars open an hour later is a crucial provision in a bill that recently was approved in the Senate.

The main argument against the bill is that bar patrons would be allowed to consume alcohol for another hour, which could mean more drunken drivers will get behind the wheel.

Those arguing for the bill say people are making a late-night rush across state lines for an extra hour of drinking. Iowa, South Dakota and Wisconsin allow bars to remain open until at least 2 a.m., whereas Minnesota's current closing time is 1 a.m. Also, the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul are endorsing the idea, saying the later bar hours would draw in more conventions there.

We support this bill, but only because local councils will have the final say on whether later bar hours are OK for their town.

There could be benefits if this bill succeeds. However, the bottom line is that what may be good for one community, may not necessarily be so for another.