Updated April 5
In a split decision Tuesday evening, the Oak Bluffs Select Board approved moving up the town’s last call at bars to 12:30 am — with a 1 am closing time — to go into effect in October.
The current last call in Oak Bluffs is 1 am, with a 1:30 am closing time.
The board’s decision follows numerous, lengthy discussions among the select board and local stakeholders, many of whom argued against the proposed change, raising concerns about how it would affect business owners and their staff.
The town introduced the proposal to move up last call earlier this year in an effort to update the town’s alcohol policy, and to abide by recommendations by the Oak Bluffs Police Department. Police favor an earlier closing time that would align with the policy of neighboring Edgartown.
On Tuesday the discussion continued, with select board members mulling whether to make a decision or table the item for a later date.
“I’m inclined to delay it,” select board member Gail Barmkian said, adding she’s concerned about not giving local business owners enough notice.
Emma Green-Beach called it a good decision “for long-term public safety.”
Select board member Brian Packish suggested not setting a date for the changes at all, and allowing businesses to continue as is through the summer. “Let them come back in [after the summer], and start this process over with a new board,” he said.
By approving a change to the last call that would go into effect in October, Packish said, “at the end of the day, you’re not doing anything. You’re kicking the can down the road with public safety, with this caveat that in the fall, something may or may not change, depending on who’s [on the select board.]” Packish and board member Ryan Ruley are not seeking re-election this year.
“If you’re going to kick the can past this iteration of the board, then kick it completely past it. Have the stones to stand up and say, ‘I’m not going to change anything,’’’ Packish said. “Because otherwise, it’s a cowardice move to delay it to the fall.”
Ruley agreed. By approving the policy change, “you’re acknowledging that there’s been an issue long enough for us to have five or six meetings about it,” he said. “We all agree that there’s an issue.”
“It’s not a good look for our leaders to say, ‘I know there’s an issue, but I’m going to punt it, hoping it gets better or worse over the summer, and we’ll revisit in the fall.”
Ultimately, the board agreed to “be more strict” when it comes to late night violations, and “reserve the right to put [the earlier last call] into effect more immediately.”
At their Tuesday meeting, select board members approved the change in a 3-2 vote. That’s contingent upon monthly check-ins with the police department and local establishments.
Select board members Emma Green-Beach, Gail Barmakian, and Jason Balboni supported the measure, and outgoing board members Ryan Ruley and Brian Packish were opposed.
Smart decision.
What a completely tone deaf decision. Why are we going back in time with these blue laws? Just because the selectboard members go to bed at 8PM and don’t patron the town establishments doesn’t mean they should impose the draconian laws on the rest of us. This is less tax revenue to the town which means higher property taxes.
Give me a break. They are trying to prevent the drunken mad dash from edgartown to ob to get a couple more drinks in them. It’s a very small price to pay for safer roads. :30 minutes is so draconian, what a joke.
Are the the bars in West Tisbury draconian??
Yes.
I agree with Nick!
Completely stupid!!
This is what the cops want, and it’s their island, not yours.
You’re just the saps that pay them to “protect and serve” all over you, or else, so you’ll do what you’re told.
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