Issue date: 9/8/08 Section: News

The Charleston City Council approved an amendment to extend Sunday bar hours to midnight at last Tuesday's meeting. (Erin Matheny/The Daily Eastern News)

Chris Clayton, owner of Panther Paw Bar and Grill, said he was "excited" when he heard the news that he could keep his beer garden open an extra hour on Sundays.

Clayton said he came to Charleston city officials in the past asking for "special circumstance Sundays" when the bar could stay open later.

"But the law is the law, and we never could," he said.

The Charleston City Council approved an amendment to extend bar hours from 11 p.m. to midnight at its Sept. 2 meeting.

In the past, Panther Paw's beer garden would have to close on Sunday nights at 11 p.m.

Clayton was upset about the old hours because customers could not stay and watch sporting events like MLB playoff games and the Super Bowl.

However, in the wake of the city's decision to increase Sunday hours, Clayton has new hopes.

"I think it can increase the amount of parties that we have on Sunday nights," he said. "I mean just over Labor Day, I had a group of college kids that didn't have school Monday and didn't want to leave."

The amendment intends to relieve Charleston's businesses of this burden, citing a better environment for guests to relax in.

With the change in hours, customers will be able to watch important west coast games and the bars will be able to entertain them, Clayton said.

"It might even keep more people in Charleston on Sundays," Clayton said.

The city council also received little response to the amendment.

"Generally, people are indifferent about this," said Mayor John Inyart.

The council recorded one call opposing the amendment because the caller did not see the point of leaving bars open for one extra hour. The council did not give the caller's name.

"In general, I think bars and pubs are going to do just a little bit better in Charleston," Clayton said. "I know we have had the opportunity in the past to sell more on Sundays but couldn't. Now, we can."



Krystal Moya can be reached at 581-7942 or at ksmoya@eiu.edu.

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