Bars In Western New York State To Close Earlier?

The next time you go out to have a few drinks with friends, or to catch some live music in a bar or tavern in Buffalo and Western New York, the night might end a little earlier. There are some who are calling for an earlier closing time for bars!

Here in Buffalo and Erie County, most bars close/stop serving around 4am, or well after midnight at the very least. It is something that many in the area use a conversation piece when talking about the nightlife here in The Queen city as most other areas shut the party down around 2am

But post-COVID pandemic, things have changed and perhaps the late (early morning) closing time is outdated?

READ MORE: A New Bar-Bill Location Planned In Western New York?

According to some reports, there is a movement aimed at shutting down Buffalo bars earlier. Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia is calling on bar owners to weigh their financial gain with the liability that comes with staying open past 2 a.m.

There is an old adage that states, "nothing good happens after midnight". It is a saying that many parents have used with their kids trying to get them to get home early or to be responsible when they stay out. Erie County is one of the few counties that allow bars to stay open so late. According to the Erie County website:

Alcohol may be sold for on-premises consumption during the following hours in Erie County:

Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 4:00 AM

Sundays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 AM

Christmas Day: Normal hours apply

For Niagara County, these are the rules:

Alcohol may be sold for on-premises consumption during the following hours in Niagara County:

Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM (3:00 AM on Friday)

Saturdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 AM

Sundays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM