Bill to extend last call at Colo. bars advances

Colorado cities and towns could have the power to extend bar hours under a proposal advanced by state lawmakers.

Lawmakers voted 12-1 to pass the bill Wednesday out of the House Local Government Committee.

The proposal would let municipalities decide whether to let bars stay open until 4:30 a.m. Current law prohibits the sale of alcohol from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Democratic Rep. Crisanta Duran, one of the lawmakers sponsoring the bill, says the purpose is to try to improve public safety by avoiding the large crowds during closing time.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving opposes the bill, arguing that it could lead to more intoxicated people on the roads.