Bars and restaurants in 14 counties could stay open until 4 a.m. during the RNC under Evers' budget

MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers is reviving a proposal to allow thousands of visitors and residents in 14 counties to indulge in Wisconsin's favorite pastime until just before dawn during the Republicans' national convention next year.

Under a measure included in Evers' 2023-25 state budget plan, bars could stay open until 4 a.m. during mid-July 2024 when the Republican Party will host its national convention in Milwaukee to nominate its presidential candidate.

The proposal was first taken up by state lawmakers in 2020 when Democrats were expecting to host thousands of people in Milwaukee for their national convention. But the coronavirus pandemic canceled those plans and lawmakers never passed the legislation.

The new measure will allow bars and restaurants to stay open until 4 a.m. between July 15 and July 19, 2024, in 14 counties — Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Rock, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Dane, Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Columbia, Sheboygan, and Fond du Lac — if officials there pass a resolution allowing the later closing time and bar owners apply for an exception during the convention.

Currently, bars and restaurants must close at 2 a.m. on weekdays and 2:30 a.m. on weekends.

Scott Stenger, a lobbyist for the Tavern League of Wisconsin, said he expects the idea to become law even if lawmakers remove the provision from Evers' budget and it moves forward as a standalone bill.

Aides to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu did not immediately say whether the leaders supported the idea.

More:Republicans will hold their first presidential primary debate in Milwaukee

Molly Beck can be reached at [email protected].

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Evers moves for 4 a.m. bar time during Republican National Convention