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Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com

Published - Friday, June 27, 2008

Some St. Paul bars get OK to stay open late during RNC

ST. PAUL (AP) — Some St. Paul bars will be staying open until 4 a.m. during the Republican National Convention.

The City Council approved an ordinance allowing bars that meet certain conditions and pay $2,500 to stay open late during the convention, which is slated for Sept. 1 through 4 at the Xcel Energy Center.

About 32 bars are eligible. They must already have a 2 a.m. closing time and have at least 291 seats or be in downtown or commercial development districts.

The Legislature gave communities in the Twin Cities area the authority to allow bars to remain open until 4 a.m. during the convention. Minneapolis has approved a resolution allowing bars downtown and hotels to stay open until 4 a.m. for a $2,500 fee.