Velvet voiced Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, is making the case for House Bill 815 right now. Citing the economic impact of high-profile events that the city’s hosted, like the Super Bowl and the NBA All-Star Game, he has a bill that would allow hotel bars in major cities to serve registered guests drinks after 2am. Party!
Unsurprisingly, the scolds are out in full force. Rep. Charlie Howard, R-Peckerwood, er, Sugar Land, earlier called it the “get drunk all night bill.” “On Sunday morning, when most of us are going to church, these people could be coming outta the hotel bar, drunk as a coot!” says Howdy-Doody looking representative. Also, Rep. Robert “We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Health Insurance” Talton is pitching every conceivable worst-case scenario.
And the nays have it – HB 815 narrowly goes down. There’s always year after next.
This article appears in March 23 • 2007.