Last call for alcohol could come an hour later for local bars, if a bill currently being considered in the state legislature becomes law.

The bill, which passed 51-13 in the Senate and is waiting for action in the House, would allow bars to extend their closing time from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Troy Thompson, manager at Torge's Grille in Austin, said he is in favor of the change because all of the states around Minnesota have a 2 a.m. closing time.

"I think, from a revenue standpoint, most bars are going to look at it as a good thing," he said.

Terry Hangge, owner of Uncle Gilby's in Hayward, does not have a problem with the change, but he thinks it would not make much of a difference for his bar.

"I don't know if it would bring enough business to be profitable," he said. "If somebody can use it to their advantage, though, that's good."

If the bill becomes law, the new times would not automatically apply to all bars statewide. The final decision for each city would be in the hands of city councils and mayors.

Local officials offer cautious opinions on the matter. Most have not followed the bill too closely, but there are some concerns.

"I would be pleased to allow local officials to look at it because I have many reservations about changing that from 1 to 2," Austin Mayor Bonnie Rietz said.

She said extending the hours of an already stressed police force may prove difficult for the city.

Council member Lynn Koch also wants to look into it further before taking a firm stance, but he does have initial concerns regarding drunken driving problems.

Dick Lang, a former city council member and owner of Bobee Jo's in Austin, said if people could act responsibly after a night of drinking, there would not be a problem. He said he sees legitimate arguments on both sides of the issue.

Thompson said bars need to play a part in making sure drunk driving is kept to a minimum.

"When a customer gets to that point -- it could be 9, it could be 1:30 in the morning -- it's up to the bars to practice responsible alcohol service," Thompson said.

Liquor stores also could have a time change. The bill would allow liquor stores to extend their hours to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Currently liquor stores close at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Holly Brede and her father, Bob Hanf, owner of Bell Liquor in Austin, are dead against it. They said it would not be profitable. After dark, they are always serving the same people anyway and it would simply increase the risk of being held up.

"It would be absolutely useless," a said.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com