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Lowell Could See Earlier Last Call At City Bars

Two weeks ago, we noted that some officials in both Boston and Springfield are calling for the modification of closing hours for certain bars in an effort to improve public safety.

The same consideration is reportedly occurring in Lowell. As the Sun reports, the city's License Commission on Friday backed draft regulations that would roll back last call for alcohol to 1:30 a.m., from 2 a.m. Lowell establishments have a 2 a.m. closing time.

As the paper reports, the commission is also seeking more information on whether it can force problem establishments to install video cameras and limit bar-goers to one drink at a time.

The Sun adds:

City officials drafted the rules after a spate of violence, including a February brawl at Fortunato's resulting in 14 arrests.

In Boston, Mayor Thomas Menino's suggestion that Theater District clubs stagger their closing hours came following the fatal shooting of a former U.S. Army sniper in the area.

As we noted in a follow-up, the Boston Licensing Board told multiple outlets that it can't take action on bar hours unless the shooting is specifically tied to a club.

Boston Police have asked the public to help identify individuals believed to be connected to Army veteran Stephen Perez's shooting.

This program aired on May 14, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.

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Benjamin Swasey Digital Manager
Ben is WBUR's digital news manager.

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